The Indianapolis Colts knew heading into Week 5 that they would be missing a couple of key players. Wide receiver Alec Pierce suffered a concussion in Week 3 and appears to have suffered a setback ahead of the matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Slot cornerback Kenny Moore II is also out with an Achilles injury. Like Pierce, he also missed Week 4, though Moore's absence was not as detrimental as Pierce's. The problem had nothing to do with what either player did or did not do, however.
The issue became that wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, whose reps picked up with Pierce out, made two critical mistakes that literally cost his team the game. He bungled a would-be touchdown as he dropped the ball inches ahead of the end zone, and then he was called for a penalty in the fourth quarter.
Indianapolis Colts' inactives for Week 5 includes two important players
On the play, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor scored on a 53-yard touchdown jaunt, only he didn't because of Mitchell's terrible attempt to block. Mitchell will have yet another chance to be productive again. He failed to do so as a rookie in 2024 and failed in Week 4.
He is expected to play a limited role, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, but taking a risk that the receiver will do much might not be worth it. Or maybe he will be great, knowing that after Week 4, he has to prove he belongs in the NFL.
Besides Moore and Pierce, Indianapolis knew it would also be without backup safety Daniel Scott, who is dealing with a knee injury, and backup running back Tyler Goodson, who has a groin injury. The Las Vegas Raiders were a bit banged up, too, though.
Tight end Brock Bowers was iffy to play against Indy. He is one of the best players at his position in the league, but he will be out in Week 5 with a knee injury.
Vegas knew it was going to play without left tackle Kolton Miller. He has shown himself to be a quality tackle who can efficiently protect Geno Smith's blindside. In his place is underwhelming veteran Stone Forsythe. Indy needs to take advantage of that situation.
Week 5 inactives for the Colts:
- Running back Tyler Goodson
- Wide receiver Alec Pierce
- Cornerback Kenny Moore II
- Quarterback Riley Leonard
- Linebacker Buddy Johnson
- Offensive tackle Luke Tenuta
- Defensive tackle Eric Johnson II
Week 5 inactives for the Raiders:
- Cornerback Eric Stokes
- Tight end Brock Bowers
- Linebacker Germaine Pratt
- Guard Caleb Rogers
- Tight end Michael Mayer
- Defensive lineman Leki Fotu