The Indianapolis Colts don't necessarily have a must-win game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14, but it's close. If Indy were to lose, its playoff hopes are not dashed. Far from it, as the team would still be in a position to win the AFC South with some victories to finish the season.
As far as key players missing the game, Colts fans already knew that defensive lineman DeForest Buckner would miss the contest with a neck injury. He is on injured reserve, and there is no real timeline for his return. He and the team hope he can come back during the regular season.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner, whom the team acquired at the trade deadline and has only appeared in three games for Indianapolis, injured his calf in Week 13 and won't play in Week 14. This isn't a big surprise, as the team made it seem as if he could miss a few games. In other words, he might not come back until Week 16 or beyond.
Indianapolis Colts will be missing Sauce Gardner in Week 14 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars
Here is the good news. Slot receiver Josh Downs has been dealing with hip and knee issues and didn't practice on Wednesday, but that was more of a walk-through and not a full practice. He did practice fully on Thursday, and he should be good to go against the Jaguars.
Quarterback Daniel Jones continues to prove his toughness by practicing fully with a broken fibula. Is he physically limited despite what the team might say? Yes, it's obvious during games as he doesn't move as well as he did earlier in the season. No doubt exists that even a limited Jones is far better than any other option the Indianapolis Colts would have.
He will play in Week 14 against Jacksonville. Let's hope the team uses running back Jonathan Taylor a lot more, though. Jones has been better than expected in 2025, but Indy is at its best when Taylor is getting the ball a lot.
Edge rusher Tyquan Lewis was listed as limited during Thursday's practice, but was not ruled out for Week 14. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who is still on injured reserve and hasn't played since the preseason, has practiced this week, but it is still to be determined whether he plays. The team would have to first activate him from injured reserve if he does play.