Colts OL Anthony Castonzo (knee) left Sunday’s game early.
Indianapolis Colts offensive stalwart Anthony Castonzo gave it all he had getting ready for Sunday’s action, but we’re not sure that was the prudent decision.
Instead of the stability he intended to create by announcing his presence just before game time, the Colts have instead been forced to undergo an in-game makeover of their offensive line.
Castonzo took the field with his teammates and immediately launched into a run-heavy drive in Las Vegas, as Nick Sirianni opened by attempting to rush Jonathan Taylor down the throat of the Raiders’ defense.
Unfortunately, the big man was not equipped for such a scenario. After hobbling through a few plays of the series, Castonzo limped off the field following a Taylor run around the left side.
Here was Castonzo’s last play before heading to the locker room: pic.twitter.com/lkDTu6Y9V4
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) December 13, 2020
At a certain point, there is a downside to going with guts over mental fortitude. If Castonzo really is going to simply gut it out through an injury that could take him out of the game at any moment, the Colts are at a disadvantage.
Based on the frantic first quarter of this one, Castonzo intends to hold the line hostage.
After playing several rounds of “will he/won’t he” all week, he declared himself ready, removed himself from the game after just a few rushes, and then entered mid-drive, just before TY Hilton’s touchdown to put Indy up 10-0.
Anthony Castonzo is back in at left tackle. Quenton Nelson back at left guard. #Colts
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) December 13, 2020
The less Chaz Green the better, but if Castonzo plans to hobble across the field all game long, especially when it comes time to milk clock and suck the air out of the ball, that could be a problem, too.
And besides — though it may not seem like it in the moment, there are more games that must be played after this week, win or lose.
We hope Castonzo plays this one smartly as the contest continues. So far, not great.
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