Indianapolis Colts injury report for Week 16 is extremely worrying

The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to rebound after their Week 15 loss to the Denver Broncos, which took place directly after a bye in Week 14. The team was largely healthy ahead of the Broncos game, but it appears it may not be when they take on the Tennessee Titans.

The first injury report released of the week, on Wednesday, showed numerous players sitting out practice due to injury. The Colts can't afford to lose so many of their key players ahead of the Titans game; while the Titans are objectively not a good team, the Colts' loss against the Broncos was largely self-inflicted, and as such, a win over Tennessee can't be taken for granted. Wide receiver Alec Pierce had to leave the Broncos game with a concussion, and was replaced by rookie Adonai Mitchell; this was disastrous, and the Colts appear to potentially have to play Sunday without not only Pierce, but now Michael Pittman, Jr. as well. Kicker Matt Gay, who has performed remarkably well considering how much he struggled earlier in the season, is injured, as well as E.J. Speed, who was a defensive standout against the Broncos.

A more positive sign is that the Colts appear primed to have several players -- Ryan Kelly, Juju Brents, and Jaylon Carlies -- finally return from injured reserve on Sunday.

Altogether, it's a worrying sign for Colts fans, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the injury report for the rest of week improves. The chances of making the playoffs this year are small, but it's still possible, so long as the Colts win all of their remaining games. A healthy Colts team will be vital heading into the rest of the season, so with luck, some of these players will be returning.

Here is the Colts' Week 16 injury report following Thursday's practice.