Colts Injury Update: Two Key Playmakers Push for a Return

admin | December 21, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

On Christmas Eve, the Indianapolis Colts will take on the Atlanta Falcons.

On Christmas Eve, the 8-6 Indianapolis Colts will face the 6-8 Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The Colts are coming off a stunning 30-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping a 15-year losing streak to Mike Tomlin. The Colts, on the other hand, experienced two major setbacks, with WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) and RB Zack Moss (arm) missing the most of the game after exiting the game and not returning.

Following Wednesday’s practice report, there are encouraging indicators of a Pittman return, as well as running back Jonathan Taylor’s return to “full participant” status following thumb surgery.

Below are the injury reports from Wednesday for the Colts and Falcons.

Colts

Wednesday

● Did Not Participate – C Jack Anderson (illness), K Matt Gay (right hip), RB Zack Moss (forearm), LB Segun Olubi (hip), T Braden Smith (knee)

●Limited Participant – DT Eric Johnson II (ankle), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion)

●Full Participant – RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb)

Gay had a poor game against the Cincinnati Bengals and then went 3-for-5 on field-goal attempts against the Steelers. This could explain his kicking problems, and he’ll aim to get back to basics and hit more field goals. Indy has relied on Gay to win games this season, so his absence might be costly.

Moss, who suffered a broken forearm in the offseason but healed, will seek to supplement Shane Steichen’s ground attack against a vulnerable Falcons defense.

Finally, Smith’s presence was missed against Pittsburgh, as T.J. Watt wrecked havoc on rookie swing tackle Blake Freeland, recording two sacks.

As for Johnson and Pittman, it’s a good sign that both are on the mend. Johnson is a great defensive inside depth piece, while Pittman is nearly the whole Colts receiving threat.

While Moss may still miss time, Pittman will work hard to get him back. This is especially true now that Taylor, a fellow bell-cow, has announced a full practice.

If Taylor is able to return for the remaining three games, Indy’s offense will have a better chance of winning the AFC South divisional title.

Falcons

Wednesday

● Did Not Participate – DE Calais Campbell (rest), RB/WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (rest), DT David Onyemata (ankle), T Kaleb McGary (knee)

● Limited Participant – G Chris Lindstrom (ankle), OL Drew Dalman (ankle), LT Jake Matthews (knee)

● Full Participant – FB Keith Smith (ankle), LB Bud Dupree (back)

The Falcons are clinging to their season and hoping to get back to playing better football.

Immediately, the absences of Campbell and Onyemata could be troublesome when facing a tough Colts offensive line. If neither of these two plays occurs, Indianapolis’ running game could be in for a long day on Sunday.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons have struggled. Head coach Arthur Smith is probably pleased to see multiple offensive lineman on their way back.

Even though Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have carried the ball well, the Falcons have only averaged roughly 200 passing yards per game and have allowed 36 sacks (t-ninth in the NFL). Currently, Indy has 46 points (t-third in the NFL), which means Taylor Heinicke could have a hard day if the Falcons are banged up in the trenches.

Colts pass-rushers like Dayo Odeyingbo, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, as well as DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, will look to put damage on Atlanta. If Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, and Kaleb McGary are limited or can’t go, it could be another prime chance for this Colts defensive front to push four, five, or more sacks.

Tags:Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Michael Pittman Jr., Zack Moss

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Colts Injury Update: Two Key Playmakers Push for a Return

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