Will Bernhard Raimann play against the Detroit Lions?

The Indianapolis Colts are playing what will arguably be their toughest opponent of the year this Sunday, and they'll be doing it without a key member of their offense. Head coach Shane Steichen announced Friday that Bernhard Raimann will not be playing against the Detroit Lions, which - though expected - is a huge blow.

Raimann injured his knee during the Colts' Week 10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and has not played or practiced since. He has been replaced by rookie Matt Goncalves, but the once-elite offensive line has been struggling with three rookies on the field.

Over the course of October and November, the Colts lost both Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to injured reserve. Tanor Bortolini has performed so well in Kelly's place that many feel he'll be given the full-time job next season, but the replacements for Fries and Raimann - Dalton Tucker and Goncalves, respectively - have definitely shown their signs of growing pains.

That Raimann would not play Sunday is not entrirely unexpected, given that he hasn't practiced at all this week. However, the confirmation from Steichen is still a letdown for Colts fans hoping Raimann might show up at practice Friday and begin making his way back onto the field. With him missing several weeks of practice, it also begins to raise the question of how badly his knee is injured, and if he'll be returning before the season is over.

For now, though, the Colts will have to hope that Goncalves plays the best game of his life on Sunday against the Lions. Also on the offensive line, Braden Smith is dealing with a foot injury, and did not practice Friday. Fans can only hope the offensive line won't end up without four of its starters before battling the best team in the NFL.