The Indianapolis Colts made a great addition to the team ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring cornerback Sauce Gardner. After missing a game for his former team, the New York Jets, with a concussion, Gardner will be ready for Week 10 for Indy.
His addition, though, corresponds with Indy losing other defensive players. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was placed on injured reserve with a neck issue, and he will miss at least four games if not much longer. Buckner isn't the only defensive player ruled out.
Edge rushers Tyquan Lewis (groin) and Samson Ebukam (knee) have also been ruled out by head coach Shane Steichen. The good part is that Atlanta doesn't have an overly effective passing attack, though quarterback Michael Penix Jr. doesn't turn the ball over much, and Drake London is a fine receiver.
Indianapolis Colts will be missing key pass-rushers in Week 10 versus the Atlanta Falcons
Indy might need the greatest pass-rush attack to defeat the Falcons. The struggle could be elsewhere, however. Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson is one of the better backs in the NFL, and he could expose Indianapolis's banged-up defense.
Here is the positive part about Lewis, Buckner, and Ebukam missing the game: The trio is mostly not great against the run. Instead, the Colts have other players who can clean up in that department who will be available for the game. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu, for instance, is one of the most versatile edge players in the league.
Neville Gallimore getting more reps isn't a bad thing in Week 10. He can be solid against the run. So can inside linebackers Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt.
Can the Indianapolis Colts survive the rest of the season missing so many key pass-rushers? That's unlikely, even if Sauce Gardner provides elite coverage. Charvarius Ward, Indy's other presumed starter at outside corner, is still on IR, too.
The hope is that Indianapolis's offense simply overpowers the Falcons' defense, as the unit has most every other team this season. If the Colts can jump to a fairly big lead, that will force the Falcons to throw more. Even while Indy is without several good pass rushers, Gardner, Jaylon Jones, and Kenny Moore's elite coverage, coupled with Latu's disruptiveness should be enough to get a victory.