The Indianapolis Colts enter Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs nearly as healthy as they could possibly be, and the inactive list will show that. Alec Pierce, DeForest Buckner, and Charvarius Ward aren't on it, of course, and that means head coach Shane Steichen needs to change one of the worst narratives of his career.
In three-plus seasons, Steichen is 7-22 against teams with winning records at the time Indianapolis played them. Maybe playing the Chiefs in Kansas City is no easy feat, but playing against most of the NFL in their home stadium isn't easy. Steichen and Indy need a victory and have no excuses for not being prepared to do so.
Before the game on Sunday Night Football, Indy had only ruled out wide receiver Ashton Dulin due to an ankle injury. Running back DJ Giddens was questionable with a knee issue. Neither Dulin nor Giddens are starters or expected to play a big role in whether the Colts win or lose.
Indianapolis Colts' inactives list shouldn't stop Shane Steichen from getting a victory
Ward and Buckner didn't practice on Friday, but both were just resting, just as wide receiver Alec Pierce was when he sat out Thursday's practice. Indy needs them for real games and to be as available as possible for every game. They will all play in Week 2.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson missed Wednesday's practice with a groin injury. He had that happen while lifting weights this week because Richardson is one of the unluckiest players one will ever know about. He seemingly gets hurt in ways no one would ever expect, and if that ever changes remains to be seen.
Still, he will be available as Daniel Jones' backup, for better or worse. Riley Leonard will be the third-string quarterback, though with the expectation that he will be "inactive" during Week 2. NFL teams can have a QB3 inactive, only to enter the game should the first two quarterbacks get hurt.
The truth is that if Daniel Jones gets hurt, the Indianapolis Colts are sunk, no matter who replaces him. If that is Richardson or Leonard, it doesn't matter. What does matter is Shane Steichen getting a win any way he can. His 2027 employment relies on what happens this season, and going 0-2 is anything but ideal.
Indianapolis Colts inactives for Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs:
- Wide receiver Ashton Dulin
- Linebacker Austin Ajiake
- Quarterback Riley Leonard
- Running back DJ Giddens
- Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr.
- Guard Dalton Tucker
This article has been updated based on the last information.
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