Colts better hope early Anthony Castonzo reports are accurate
By Jerry Trotta
The Colts better hope there’s nothing seriously wrong with Anthony Castonzo.
When all was said and done, the Indianapolis Colts couldn’t overcome their rash of injuries on defense and surrendered first place in the AFC South to the Tennessee Titans in a 45-26 blowout loss at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
As if entering the game with several key players out due to injuries wasn’t enough, Indianapolis had to watch offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo leave early in the second quarter with what was ultimately described as a knee injury.
Initial reports indicated Castonzo suffered an MCL sprain, but the Colts are still awaiting the MRI results. The fanbase will continue holding its collective breath until the severity of his injury is revealed, but they can at least take some comfort in the fact that head coach Frank Reich inferred that he avoided the “worst case scenario.”
Frank Reich on Anthony Castonzo: "I don't feel like it's the worst case scenario."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 29, 2020
The tone of these comments wasn’t overly optimistic, but Reich and the Colts better hope that their intel is accurate, because they’ve really made it seem like Castonzo won’t be sidelined for very long (if at all).
As evidenced by his zero career Pro Bowl nods, the 32-year-old left tackle hasn’t garnered much national recognition throughout his career, but fans in Indianapolis know just how crucial he is to the offense. After all, he’s logged at least a 98% snap share in six of his nine seasons, and at least an 81% share in all but one.
That’s incredible durability for a player who mans one of the most important positions on the field, and the Colts’ record without Castonzo throughout his career proves how valuable he is. In the 15 games the former first-round pick has missed, Indy is a ghastly 2-13.
#Colts have a 2-13 record when Anthony Castonzo doesn’t play or finish a game in his career.
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) November 30, 2020
Castonzo is the most indispensable player on offense. pic.twitter.com/6kGvk7ShIY
Luckily for the Colts, their schedule eases up in significant fashion over the next handful of weeks compared to the unrelenting gauntlet that was November, but we all know nothing ever comes easy in the NFL.
Outside of linebacker Darius Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Castonzo is arguably the most important player on this team. A lengthy spell on the sidelines could potentially undo all the work they’ve done to put themselves in prime position to nab a playoff spot.
