The Indianapolis Colts have dealt with debilitating injuries all offseason long, and then they were on the mend. Morale started to improve.
Carson Wentz is ready for Week 1. Quenton Nelson’s recovery has been going well. Eric Fisher seems to be ahead in his rehab.
But now … it’s all concerning again. TY Hilton is out for at least the first three weeks of the season. Kemoko Turay might miss Week 1. Sam Ehlinger is on the sideline for the first few games. Sam Tevi is gone for the year. Not exactly back-breaking injures, but it’s not what you want.
The worst, though, is whatever’s going on with Xavier Rhodes, who continues to miss practice with a calf injury. Two days ago, his ailment was considered “unspecified” and head coach Frank Reich said “we’ll have to see” if he’ll play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. What’s happening here? How is his status in jeopardy so abruptly?
Xavier Rhodes would be my biggest concern at first glance. Turay is trending the wrong way, but at least there’s some depth at DE. Not so much at corner. Also, hello DK Metcalf. https://t.co/J95ZCHPVLK
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 9, 2021
What’s going on with Indianapolis Colts CB Xavier Rhodes?
We’ve reiterated time and time again how hard the Colts’ schedule is to open the season, and if they’re without their No. 1 cornerback against Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, it’s going to be a long, long afternoon. Rhodes experienced a bounce-back season 2020 after a career-worst campaign with the Vikings in 2019 and it’s clear the Colts are relying on him to shoulder the load yet again.
Though Kenny Moore is available to cover whomever Matt Eberflus wants him to, Rock Ya-Sin, at this moment, is a bit of a liability while BoPete Keyes was just picked up from the Chiefs. That’s not the continuity Indy was hoping to possess against Seattle’s potent passing attack.
Carson Wentz with another full day of work.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) September 9, 2021
Not good for Xavier Rhodes missing the first two practices of the week.
Ben Banogu to get more pass rush snaps if Kemoko Turay can’t go Sunday? https://t.co/CuHUF0ArK2
Additionally, we’re not really sure the Colts are being mum about Rhodes (very little has been disclosed) not to exacerbate the panic or because it’s actually an injury that could keep him out of action for Week 1 (or possibly beyond). Given how quickly everything’s transpired, we’re conditioned to think it’s the latter scenario, even though he’s been listed as day-to-day.
Maybe the Colts are being cautious. Not everything’s always the worst-case scenario, right? Well, we actually might not want to say that to Colts fans when it comes to injuries over the last few years.
Colts have problematic injury report ahead of Week 1 matchup vs Seahawks
Colts stars Quenton Nelson and Xavier Rhodes did not practice today, as they are dealing with back and calf injuries. Parris Campbell was limited.