RSS Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Week 12 Colts Offensive Rankings and Analysis

Each week during the season, I will be walking through the data from the previous Colts game and analyzing the numbers to form a sort of “what happened” narrative, as well as comparing the Colts against all other teams in the league. For a glossary of the stats listed, reference Season Stats. Thanks to Pro Football Reference, NFL.com, Pro Football Focus and the nflFastR project for being awesome sources of weekly data.

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Week 12 saw the Colts’ worst offensive performance of the season. They managed 20 points thanks in part to a 3-yard field gifted by the defense, but overall they couldn’t sustain drives or move the ball down the field, as evidenced by their 55.6% Drive Success Rate — their lowest of the year and one of the lowest by any team in 2025.

Indy managed only 18 first downs on 10 drives, five of which ended in three-and-outs. Their 255 yards of offense marked their first sub-300-yard game of the season. And in the 4th quarter, with an 11-point lead, the Colts produced only 6 net yards of offense — followed by a massive 7 yards in overtime.

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TEAM TOTALS​

Mouseover for definitions: PPD, Adj PPD, W-L, Pyth Wins, PPG, Yds, DSR, Strt Fld, yds/ply, EPA/ply, adj TSR, 1st/ply, Pen 1st/ Yds, 3DC, 3rd ytg, Expl Plys, TO, TOP%

The 3-yard touchdown Indy backed into kept their Points per Drive average looking respectable, but by DSR they were the 3rd-worst offense of the week. And while the Colts produced a 14th-ranked yards per play, that number was heavily skewed by a couple of big plays. Their 27th-ranked success rate and 26th-ranked play-conversion rate reveal a truer picture of their struggles to move the ball.

Ironically, they posted a slightly above-average 3rd-down conversion rate, but that only highlights how misleading that stat can be. Most conversions in the league happen on 1st or 2nd down, and the Colts simply couldn’t manage those against the Chiefs.

This poor performance did little to change their season ranking though, as Indy still holds the top spot in Points per Drive — both raw and opponent-adjusted

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PASS TOTALS​

Mouseover definitions: EPA/db, Adj EPA/d, PSR, Cmp, Att, Yds, TD, Int, Sck, Sck Y, Sck Fum, Scrm, Scrm Yds, Scrm TD, Scrm Fum, 1st/db, ny/d, cmp %, aDOT, CPOE, Air Yd, YAC, 20+ #/Yd

The passing game mirrored the overall offensive metrics: by team EPA efficiency, the Colts looked fine, ranking 11th, but by success rate his Week 12 performance was the 6th-worst of the week. In short, a couple of big plays added solid value, but the vast majority of his snaps were negative.

On the year, I have the Colts as the 8th-best passing offense, both in raw and opponent-adjusted views.

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RUSH TOTALS​

Mouseover definitions: wgt RSR, adj RSR, YDS, CAR, TD, 1st, Fum Lost, RSR, 1st/c, YPC, 10+ #/Yd, 3rd, EPA/c,

This was a rare game where the Colts could not run the ball. Many people were dismayed that the Colts ran on only 16 plays, but those plays did not produce much value. Colts running ranked 21st by EPA per carry and 19th by unadjusted success rate. Accounting for game situation those ranks fall to 26th in adjusted Rush Success Rate.

Of course, for the year, Indy still has the best run game — and it’s not particularly close. Their adjusted Rush Success Rate is a full 4 percentage points higher than the #2 Rams.

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CONCLUSION​

It was an all-around poor effort. I’m not convinced that more running would have been the answer — this was more about the O-line being dominated for most of the game.

Hopefully this was just a blip, because through 12 weeks the Colts are still the best offense in the league.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...week-12-colts-offensive-rankings-and-analysis

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Has Daniel Jones reverted against the blitz, or is it merely a blip?

Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts have lost two of their last three games, with their most recent loss coming against the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime after surrendering an 11-point 4th quarter lead.

Most notably, Indy’s highly efficient offense has simmered down over the past month or so, culminating in a collective collapse across the 4th quarter/overtime periods in Week 12, where head coach Shane Steichen’s Colts offense laid an egg to the tune of four consecutive three-and-outs.

Amidst the offense’s historic start to the season, quarterback Daniel Jones had showcased a newfound ability against the blitz, an area he otherwise struggled over his first six years in the league.

Entering the season, Jones was a career 61.9% thrower (466-758) with a career 59.9 QBR against the blitz, and a brutal 49.8% passer (384-771) under all pressure. It was the biggest reason I, like many others, was skeptical of this experiment altogether. Despite this, my tune was quickly changed, or at least challenged, as Jones came swinging in his first eight games as the Colts’ starting quarterback.

Here are Daniel Jones’ 2025-26 splits against the blitz, an on-the-surface comparison of his dominant start and his recent regression of sorts, per Pro Football Focus:

Weeks 1-8: 63-99 (63.6%), 869 passing yards (8.8 YPA), 6 TDs, 0 INTs; 4.3% pressure-to-sack rate (1st), 93.4 QBR (2nd)

Weeks 9-12: 24-41 (58.5%), 296 passing yards (7.2 YPA), 1 TD, 1 INT; 27.3% pressure-to-sack rate (23rd), 31 QBR (22nd)

Some have fairly questioned if this apparent regression to the mean is a product of weaker defensive competition, or if it’s due to Indy’s offense being figured out. The offensive line’s recent shortcomings may also seem more apparent than they had been, given the recent uptick in sacks taken (6 sacks taken in Weeks 1-7; 15 sacks taken in Weeks 8-12); however, defenses had been coming at Jones via the blitz early and often throughout the first eight weeks, only recently has it become an issue.

The lingering concern amongst Colts fans and media alike is that Daniel Jones popped up on the practice report last Wednesday with a calf injury designation, before ultimately being deemed a fibula injury after the following practice. During the game against the Chiefs, however, legitimate nagging appeared evident. Pure speculation, but a lack of typical rollouts in the pass game, or QB sneaks in the run game, raised questions that Steichen answered.

“There’s no limitations with him right now,” Steichen said about playcalling re: Daniel Jones due to his fibula injury. “So, we go through our weekly game plan process, and we go from there.”

Even though the majority of the blame will be or has been placed on Daniel Jones and/or Shane Steichen for Indy’s brutal gift of a loss to Kansas City, the rest of the offense was visibly frustrated following the loss, with each person mentioning how execution was lacking and that, at the end of the day, it falls on the players. Of course, Coach Steichen, as he does, made sure to mention a similar sentiment regarding himself as the team’s offensive playcaller. Props must be given to Steve Spagnuolo and his Chiefs defense for locking in when it mattered most, but on the flip side, Indy’s top-tier offense cannot afford to lose its identity this deep into the season.

The Indianapolis Colts released their practice report today, an estimate given that the team elected to have a walkthrough rather than a typical practice, and Daniel Jones was projected to be limited in action with the same fibula designation. Head coach Shane Steichen maintained that Jones will be “good to go” against the Houston Texans this Sunday.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...rted-against-the-blitz-or-is-it-merely-a-blip

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

LB Germaine Pratt finds his best fit with Colts thanks to Raiders trade

Throughout the 2025 NFL season, SB Nation’s Doug Farrar writes about the game’s Secret Superstars — those players whose performances might slip under the radar for whatever reasons. In this installment, we focus on Indianapolis Colts linebacker Germaine Pratt, whose reunion with Lou Anarumo was just what the doctor ordered.

Well, you have to give the Las Vegas Raiders credit for trying to fix their defense under new head coach Pete Carroll and new general manager John Spytek in the 2025 preseason. The Raiders’ new braintrust signed a ton of free agents to reinforce things on that side of the ball, and one of those free agents was former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, who signed a one-year, $4.26 million contract with $3.75 million guaranteed on June 12, soon after the Bengals released him. The idea was that Pratt, who had always been a versatile linebacker, would help a group that had been minimized by Robert Spillane’s departure to the New England Patriots.

It seemed to work, and people were excited about Pratt’s presence… for a while.

“I can’t reference last season, but I mean, Germaine, what he brings to us? He brings intelligence, he brings leadership qualities, the ability to communicate, and then he’s a big body that moves well. So, all that stuff is positive,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said on September 12, when asked what Pratt brought to the team that wasn’t there in 2024.

Pratt also seemed to be happy in his new environment.

“I mean, it’s been fun learning a new system,” Pratt said on August 12. “Obviously, I was in where I was at for six years, so it’s fun being around Maxx [Crosby] and a couple guys that’s in the linebacker room. A lot of guys that have experience playing football, so it’s been fun.”

Then, things got weird. Pratt played a grand total of four games for the Raiders, and while he wasn’t exactly the next Ray Lewis, he seemed to be transitioning well to his second NFL home. Then, in Week 5 when the Raiders traveled to Indianapolis to meet the Colts, Pratt didn’t go with the team (who lost 40-6 to the Colts), and said team released him the day after that October 5 game.

Carroll simply said that the team decided to go in a different direction. Graham seemed a little less sure.

“[We] love having good players around, and is what it is when we make decisions,” Graham said on October 9. “The linebacker position, it’s going to take all 11 out there. We’ll see who’s out there playing and things of that nature, but it’s going to take a good effort to replace a good player like that.”

Well, that would not be the first or the last seemingly impulsive decision the Raiders have made this season. Regardless, though Pratt didn’t travel to Indy to get his block knocked off along with the rest of the team, he was soon on a flight to that fine city. New Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo held that spot with the Bengals from 2019-2024, and since the Bengals took Pratt in the third round of the 2019 draft out of North Carolina State, there was an obvious familiarity. The Colts signed Pratt to a one-year, $1,846,154 contract, and set him loose in their defense.

“I think it’s huge,” Anarumo said on November 18 of Pratt’s addition. “Getting back into the swing of things with us. And he’s done a great job communicating to the group and playing well next to Zaire [Franklin]. And think those guys have really done a good job inside and complementing each other very well.”

Five days after that, in a frustrating 23-20 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that certainly could have gone the other way several different times, Pratt validated every bit of the Colts’, and Anarumo’s faith in him. Pratt went on a heater the likes of which we’ve never seen from him before, totaling 17 (!) solo tackles, 10 stops, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and allowing just four catches on five targets for 30 yards.

.@Colts linebacker Germaine Pratt was an absolute menace against the @Chiefs, especially as a run-stopper. 17 solo tackles, 10 stops, two tackles for loss. He blew up play after play, and his reunion with Lou Anarumo has gone exceptionally well. pic.twitter.com/lPKl6lwrUT

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 25, 2025

“Yeah, I thought Pratt played a great game,” head coach Shane Steichen said after the Chiefs loss. “Some tackles for loss in the backfield. I mean, he was phenomenal. He was flying around the whole day, making plays. So, credit to him, [and] credit to the guys up front for creating those gaps for him to get through and make those tackles. But yeah, he was flying around. He had a hell of a game.”

A hell of a game that was lost by a single point in the final result, but Pratt’s ascent in recent weeks is an excellent example of the conundrum which happens when one team fails to realize what it has in a player, and another team will intelligently use prior understanding to know just how a guy will fit.

In a defense that is good enough to help the Colts make a deep playoff run, and has been fortified exponentially by the Sauce Gardner trade, what Germaine Pratt has done and can do should not be overlooked.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...erformance-trade-las-vegas-raiders-scheme-fit

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts QB Anthony Richardson ‘doesn’t seem particularly close to returning’ from injury

According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Colts 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson “doesn’t seem particularly close to returning,” still recovering from his fractured orbital bone suffered during Week 6’s pregame warmups against the Arizona Cardinals:

Getting a ton of Anthony Richardson questions.

Here's the update: He's back in the building, attending meetings, etc. Saw him yesterday, in fact. But he does not seem particularly close to returning to the field. Had surgery to repair his orbital bone which is super delicate.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 27, 2025

While Richardson has been back in action at team headquarters on W. 56th Street, it appears as though he’s still on the mend and won’t be returning anytime soon to the football field. After a medical band snapped during a freak pre-game stretching accident in Week 6, Richardson was placed on injured reserve and was actually eligible to return last weekend versus Kansas City—having met the four game missed criteria.

That being said, it appears as though it’s a question of whether he may even realistically return this season at all.

The former 4th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft lost his starter’s job to veteran Daniel Jones following a contested offseason and training camp battle, but after being injured again, he was placed on I.R.—and rookie 6th round pick Riley Leonard has since been elevated to the top backup quarterback job behind Jones.

It could be of particular concern to the Colts, as Jones is reportedly playing through a fractured fibula as the Colts try to fend off the rest of the AFC South, sitting atop at 8-3, and having lost 2 of their last 3 games with the Houston Texans now coming to town. With the injury, Jones was moving around a bit gingerly last weekend, so his injury status is worth monitoring during the season’s final stretch run.

However, if push were to come to shove (but by his own personal account, Jones “is good go to”), it would be the rookie Leonard filling in for Jones right now—not Richardson, until he’s healthy again. That could potentially put the Colts’ playoff chances on ice, in the ever unfortunate case in which a backup QB is actually (and meaningfully) needed.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...m-particularly-close-to-returning-from-injury

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

The Colts season in a vacuum from the negative side

Stampede Blue’s own, Clydesdales, presented the Indianapolis Colts season in a vacuum from the positive side. That may be all well and good, but let’s take a look from the inverse. As he put it, we are entering the “when it matters phase” and the luster has certainly worn off the feel good story that was the Colts. Still at 8-3 but losers of two out of three with another close call and a schedule that will make stomachs turn, the season has taken on a new type of feel. Let’s discover why things might not be so rosey for the Colts.

Starting with the record, the Colts are 8-3 but who have they played? The Raiders, Dolphins, and Titans twice? Oh boy. The three losses were on the road and tough, but the Colts dropped them all. A great team finds a way to win one of those. Not only didn’t they win but they had ample opportunity to do so. Mental errors against the Rams, five turnovers to the Steelers, and a fourth quarter meltdown to the Chiefs. Good teams and even pretty good ones can find ways to lose those but not great teams with Super Bowl aspirations.

Statistics are fine but let’s talk about the eye test. In two of the last three, Jonathan Taylor has been shut down. Daniel Jones has handled the brunt of it and has shown cracks in his armor. Sacks, pressure, and turnovers have ratcheted up big time. The historic offense has turned anemic. To look at the season in a vacuum is fine, but one must consider the whole product and what we have seen as of late. This is not the same offense. A fractured fibula could be to blame, but that’s a story for another day.

The defense has been suspect all year. With Deforest Buckner out, things haven’t been as solid upfront. Getting off the field on third down has been a challenge, and the lack of consistent pressure on the quarterback has reared its ugly head too often to count. The linebackers are getting swallowed up in coverage and are the weakest unit by far. Sometimes the defense will bend but not break, but go back to the losses in which the defense could have salvaged the game with a critical stop or turnover. It really isn’t there.

The Colts may still be at the top as playoff favorites according to Vegas, but they could have a chokehold on this division if they had taken care of business in at least two of those losses. Two games apiece against the Texans and Jaguars puts them in a dogfight the rest of the way. Throw in two NFC playoff teams and things are tough. A 3-3 split seems likely, but where does that put them at season’s end? Will it be enough to consider things a success?

Look, this was the inverse opinion and while some takes may be overly harsh, are they untrue? Seasons are full of ups and downs. The Colts could spring back, but they are certainly in a bit of a dip. There are a lot of questions going forward about whether this is sustainable as the schedule exponentially increases in difficulty. The Colts control most of their own destiny, but they better tighten the grip or risk losing control.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...lts-season-in-a-vacuum-from-the-negative-side

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Why has Josh Downs been featured less in the Colts offense?

Indianapolis, IN — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been a fan favorite since being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Wildly considered a ‘steal’ of a draft selection, Downs’ draft day reaction was captured and subsequently viewed as fuel for the young wideout. His grateful yet determined demeanor suggested that he’d be out to prove his doubters wrong, and he has throughout his short career thus far.

A demon out of the slot, particularly when matched up against linebackers in coverage, Josh Downs has remained a reliable option. Not only does Downs have a knack for turning upfield and notching first down gains, but he’s also consistently reliable on money downs (3rd/4th). Through his first two seasons in the NFL, here’s how Downs fared:

2023 (17 games): 68 receptions on 98 targets (69.4% catch rate) for 771 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, and 30 first down gains (44% conversion rate).

2024 (14 games): 72 receptions on 107 targets (67.3% catch rate) for 804 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns, and 40 first down gains (55% conversion rate).

So far in 2025, Downs has remained productive, yet he’s been featured less in the offense. He’s totaled 3 receiving touchdowns in 10 games played so far, and is currently sporting a career-high catch percentage (70.4%) and first down conversion rate (61%). Here’s Josh Downs’ on-pace season total:

2025 (on pace for 16 games): 60.8 receptions on 86.4 targets for 521.6 receiving yards, 4.8 touchdowns, and 36.8 first down conversions.

Is Josh Downs in the doghouse? Did his (generous) number change result in bad juju? Are there now too many mouths to feed offensively?

Josh Downs’ total offensive snap count percentages throughout the years:

2023: 788 snaps (69%)

2024: 602 snaps (65%)

2025: 351 snaps (54%)

While it’s sometimes fun to speculate, the latter simply has to be the reason. Starting at the top, superstar running back Jonathan Taylor rightfully so demands most of the attention offensively, while stud wideouts in Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce man the depth chart ahead of Downs. The continued emergence of Alec Pierce only makes matters worse (better), while the addition of rookie tight end Tyler Warren, the team’s leading receiver entering Week 13, explains how any given weapon on offense can be tossed to the wayside, regardless of intention.

The change in personnel, aka the addition of Warren, has unlocked a part of the offense that head coach Shane Steichen virtually couldn’t use through his first two years in Indianapolis: 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR). Here’s the Colts’ offensive personnel tendency by year, per Sumer Sports.

11 – (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)

2023: 76.23%

2024: 70.70%

2025: 59.49%

12 – (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs)

2023: 19.20%

2024: 25.17%

2025: 26.91%

13 – (1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR)

2023: 2.47%

2024: 3.36%

2025: 11.96%

At the end of the day, there’s a lot of talent within Indy’s offense; therefore, distribution is hard to come by. As a result of this new-look personnel from that of recent years, Josh Downs just does not have the same amount of opportunity as the offense tries to accommodate its run and play-action game.

For further context, the Colts are the only team through 12 Weeks to have three players (Tyler Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce) with 600+ receiving yards, with just two teams (Cowboys, Rams) having two players reach said statistical threshold. Given that Josh Downs is not one of those names, you begin to understand the uphill battle, in terms of opportunity, that he’s facing. Some days, Michael Pittman Jr. will be the focal point in the passing game, and Josh Downs the next. It’s all matchup-based and dependent on the personnel the Colts will face.

While it may seem like Downs has been ignored recently, the Colts’ offense is in the process of coming back down to earth after putting on an immortal start. It won’t be all sunshine and rainbows like it was through the first several weeks, but don’t be surprised if the Colts look Downs’ way, especially later, gotta have it downs, as they look for answers to recent questions.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...wns-been-less-of-a-focal-point-in-the-offense

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

The Colts season in a vacuum from the positive side.

If we take momentum and emotion out of the equation that has been the Colts season to this point, I think we might actually be able to feel good heading into Thanksgiving weekend and the unofficial “When it matters” season. Some of the shine of a 7 – 1 start has worn off and we no longer control our ability to be the #1 seed in the AFC. We have cracked the door open for division rivals, and in some fans mind’s we are on the verge of an epic collapse. I’d like to take a minute to show just how good we have been so far this season.

Lets start with the record, sitting at 8 – 3. Only the Pats, Broncos, and Rams have a better record. We played both the Rams and Broncos evenly and could have went 0 -2, 1 – 1, or even 2 – 0. All three of the losses have been on the road, with two of them coming in the traditional snake pits of Pittsburgh and KC. The other was not a raucous crowd, but was versus the team at the top of the Power Rankings in the Rams. Without watching the game, you can just say that it was a 7 point road loss to the best team in the league. (If you did watch it, you know we were their match.)

How about statistically? I’m getting much of this info from this site: https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/team-stats/ It is hard to find an offensive metric in which the Colts are not in the top 3. They are no longer being mentioned in “historical” rankings, but have shown enough offense make some noise. Jones is top 10 in QB rankings and JT is the best RB in the league, no matter how you want to measure. Pierce catches longer passes than anyone in the league and Warren will factor in the OROY when it is time to tally votes.

The defense might not be as statistically good, but they are still in the upper half in most statistics, especially the scoring stats. I’d like to bring up injuries and acquisitions, but those are not really “In a vacuum” factors. I guess you could say that they are one player (although a huge one) away from being at full strength. That condition is likely shared by most of the teams that will make up the playoffs.

I hear you now, “Stats are easily manipulated to support your argument” but would you pay more attention to Las Vegas? As the story goes, those magnificent buildings on the strip were not built on all the house losses. There are many sites out there that give their odds to win the Super Bowl, but you are not going to see a great deal of variance when you check for betting favorites. I looked at two: https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/43748901/super-bowl-2026-odds-win-nfl-betting and https://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/odds/futures/

The Colts are solidly in the 4th to 5th slot of betting favorites. I’m not sure, but I think the Chiefs loss actually gave them a bump. Two teams that beat the Colts are ahead of them as having shorter odds. Those two teams are the betting favorite Rams and last week’s foe the Chiefs. Both were highly contested road losses. The meaningful games are coming and the Colts have laid the groundwork to be a factor until the end of this season and beyond. The Colts are listed as one of the betting favorites, because they don’t want to put a big number on a team that just might win it all.

I know that the games/season are not played in a vacuum, but our team is just a couple of games away from putting a hammer lock on the division. If they can go 2 – 0 versus a couple of divisional rivals who are pretty flawed in their own rights, I doubt that anyone will remember a mini 1 – 2 stretch heading into the holidays. If the Colts can solve the problem of slowing opposing DLs down, or using their aggression against them, they could be looking at a path the doesn’t have two of the traditional roadblocks of Patrick and Lamar.

Maybe it was the good food and frequent naps yesterday, but I’m feeling pretty good about the Colts chances this week and for the season as well.

Happy Holidays!

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...lts-season-in-a-vacuum-from-the-positive-side

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts elevate veteran DT Chris Wormley from the practice squad before Texans game

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that the team has promoted veteran defensive tackle Chris Wormley from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans.

we have elevated DT Chris Wormley to the active roster from the practice squad for #HOUvsIND. https://t.co/1dce5YdByh

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 29, 2025

Regarding Wormley, who was signed to the Colts practice squad a few weeks ago:

Originally a 2017 3rd round pick of the Ravens, the 6’5”, 300 pound Wormley has 150 tackles (82 solo), 11.0 sacks, 10 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during 87 career games (31 starts)—having also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers.

He most recently played in 2024 during a second stint with Baltimore, where he had 4 tackles (1 solo) in 2 games.

Per PFF, the former First-Team All-Big Ten standout for Michigan (and 2nd-Team All-American) earned a +68.5 overall grade last year for the Ravens, which was highlighted by a +70.2 run defense grade, albeit in limited action.

It’s worth noting that veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (illness) is still on injured reserve, but fellow veteran Neville Gallimore (knee), who’s been starting in Buckner’s absence, no longer has an injury designation—having been a full participant during back-to-back team practices on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Wormley should provide veteran depth behind both starting run-stopping stalwart Grover Stewart and Gallimore, joining both Ade Adebawore and Eric Johnson II as rotational backups against Houston up front.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ey-from-the-practice-squad-before-texans-game

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren added to injury report

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that rookie tight end Tyler Warren has been added to their injury report, heading into a critical divisional home game against Houston on Sunday, with a ‘questionable’ designation because of a newly listed illness.

injury report update for #HOUvsIND:

TE Tyler Warren (Illness) has been added to the injury report and is questionable for sunday’s game. https://t.co/GOYM4P5QYi

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 29, 2025

This year’s first round pick of the Colts has 55 receptions for 662 total receiving yards (12.0 ypr. avg.) and 3 touchdown receptions, as well as a rushing touchdown on the ground.

Warren has already broken the Colts franchise rookie tight end record for receptions and is clearly on pace down this season’s final stretch to break John Mackey’s rookie record of 726 total receiving yards in 1963.

If Warren surpasses 1,000 receiving yards, he will be the 2nd Colts rookie to do so, joining wideout Bill Brooks, who accomplished the first-year pro feat back in 1986.

Obviously, Warren’s absence comes at a potential crossroads for the Colts season. The Colts are clinging to first place in the AFC South with an 8-3 record, but have lost 2 of their last 3 games. Offensively, they’ve seemed to hit a rut. Indianapolis still has to play Jacksonville and Houston twice among its AFC South rivals to end 2025.

Losing Warren, who’s a sure-handed versatile and dynamic playmaker for their offense, as well as a top blocker, would be a big blow against a stingy Texans defense, allowing the league’s 2nd fewest points (16.5 avg. ppg).

With Houston presumably looking to dial up the pocket pressure against hobbled Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s playing through a fractured fibula, and losing one of their key security valves would assuredly be felt for the Colts offense that’s looking to get back on track into returning to one of the NFL’s truly elite scoring units again.

In his potential absence, both veteran tight end Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree would see expanded roles offensively, with backup receiving tight end Will Mallory likely no longer being a healthy scratch.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...tight-end-tyler-warren-added-to-injury-report

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

AFC Playoff Picture: Indianapolis Colts fall behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in AFC South

The entire AFC South played each other on Sunday it it rocked the standings in the division. The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars take the record vs common opponents tiebreaker and the lead in the division by a slim margin.

The Jaguars have wins over the Titans, Raiders, Cardinals, Chargers, and Chiefs and losses to the Rams and Texans for a 5-2 record vs common opponents. The Colts have two wins over the Titans and wins over the Raiders, Cardinals and Chargers with losses to the Chiefs and Texans for a 5-3 record.

The New England Patriots play Monday and the Denver Broncos won Sunday night to pass them for now.

The rest of the playoff picture was pretty interesting. The Jaguars are in third but the fourth-place Pittsburgh Steelers lost, allowing the Baltimore Ravens to hop into fourth despite their Thanksgiving loss.

The Los Angeles Chargers move into fifth thanks to their win and pass the Colts. Indianapolis is sixth, slightly ahead of the Bills in AFC record.

The 7-5 Texans are knocking on the door ahead of the 6-6 Steelers and Chiefs.

AFC South standings after Week 13​

The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts while the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Titans, so it was an All AFC South weekend. And it shook up the standings. The Jaguars nip the Colts in record vs common opponents.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4, 6-2 vs common opponents)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-4, 5-3 vs common opponents)
3. Houston Texans (7-5)
4. Tennessee Titans (1-11)

AFC standings during Week 13​

In the tie between the Broncos and Patriots, Denver is undefeated against the Jets, Raiders, Titans, and Bengals. The Patriots lost to the Raiders in Week 1 and that’s the difference.

1. Denver Broncos (10-2, record vs common opponents > NE)
2. New England Patriots (10-2, record vs common opponents < DEN)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6, record vs common opponents > PIT)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4, 7-2 AFC)
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4, 6-3)
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4, 5-3 AFC)
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6, record vs common opponent < BAL, 5-3 AFC)
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6, 3-4 AFC)
11. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
13. New York Jets (3-9)
14. Cleveland Browns (3-9)
15. e-Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
16. e-Tennessee Titans (1-11)

The Tennessee Titans were eliminated from playoff contention as were the Las Vegas Raiders.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...-behind-the-jacksonville-jaguars-in-afc-south

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Monday Morning Awards: Week 13 vs. Texans

8-4 after an ugly loss, where the defense seemed to be the only ones that wanted the Colts to win, including the refs. Opposing teams seemed to have figured out the Colts’ offense, rendering it useless in three of the past four games, and the playoffs seem to be slipping once again from the grasps of this franchise that just cannot seem to close out winning seasons.

---

MVP of the Game: Lou Anarumo​

Even despite losing his No. 1 cornerback on the first drive of the game, and still not having the most important player on this defense in DeForest Buckner, Anarumo once again called a masterful game and more than did his job yesterday. What I love the most about Anarumo is that he gets the job done with the players he has, and he has adjusted the game to the strengths of his players. The defensive line is doing some excellent work despite basically having only one player that can consistently win one-on-one matchups, and he is doing an excellent job of hiding Franklin’s and Pratt’s deficiencies in pass-coverage.

Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Shane Steichen / Clay Martin (head ref) / Michael Badgley / Tanor Bortolini​

We have several culprits for the loss yesterday. First and foremost I would like to highlight Steichen, that seems to have completely lost touch on how to run this offense. I understand that the Texans have a really good defense, but the lack of execution and creativity for a unit that once was among the best in the league is baffling. Even looking at the drives where the Colts scored you have a beautiful deep ball by Jones to Pierce who made an amazing catch, and then a DPI call, and a miracle catch by Downs to keep the chains moving. The offense never managed to find any sort of rythm, which seems to be the case the past four weeks. What sucks even more is that the defense did more than enough for the team to win in each of the three losses.

Now the refs deserve a paragraph of their own. Led by Clay Martin, it was perhaps the most blatant call I have seen go against the Colts, and I believe this deserves an investigation because one cannot be so bad at their job. I understand the missed facemask call late in the game, and even the missed extra-point seemed a bit about perspective, but the missed delay of game call followed by the non-existent DPI on Kenny Moore on third down in the redzone was a terrible call at the most important moment of the game. That was a 4-point swing that ended up being the difference in the game, a game that had major playoff implications. Hopefully this Martin guy is out of the NFL and does not ruin any more games because of his blatant incompetence.

As for the Colts’ specialists, Badgley once again missed an extra-point, and it was a big reason why the Colts lost. Hopefully he is no longer the Colts’ kicker next week because a team with playoff aspirations cannot afford to have such an unconsistent kicker.

Bortolini had two snaps go wrong, one being on a key 4th down conversion, which is inexcusable. Such poor execution is just not acceptable, and should be polished so it does not repeat itself.

Best play of the Game: Alec Pierce’s touchdown catch​

Alec Pierce : 4 catches for 78 yards & a TD on 5 targets pic.twitter.com/lvZeFupppU

— Lee Harvey (@Sayian_Warrior) November 30, 2025

Alec Pierce is the best receiver on the team, by far. He has elevated his overall game to another level this season, and will get a big payday in the offseason, hopefully to remain in Indy. He hauled in a spectacular touchdown grab over two defenders, in what also was a beautiful throw by Jones.

Worst play of the Game: Missed delay of game call, phantom DPI on Kenny Moore​

What is even worse is that after the game in the press conference Clay Martin did not even come close to acknowledging the obvious mistake on that play. It was a terrible, inexcusable call, on a key moment of the game.

Best position group: Defensive line​

This group continues impressing, with depth players consistently making an impact on games. This time it was Adetomiwa Adebawore and Chris Wormley that got a sack each. Latu continues being a consistent pass-rusher, and Grover Stewart is a force on the inside. Once they get everyone healthy late in the season this could be a very dangerous group.

Unsung hero: Germaine Pratt​

Pratt has been such an underrated part of this Colts’ defense, and hopefully he remains with the team after the season. He is never spectacular, but he is a sure tackler that gives high effort every single play and seems to gel well within this defense. The Colts had really struggled at linebacker, playing Joe Bachie there, when the season started, but the consistency found with Pratt has been a big reason for the defensive improvements over the course of the season.

Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren​

Once again this is more of a there was no-one to compete for the award here. Warren clearly seemed a step slower dealing with an illness, but he still managed to score a touchdown. The failed conversion on a quarterback sneak on 4th down seemed to be more on Bort than him.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...18543/monday-morning-awards-week-13-vs-texans

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

The Colts’ remaining schedule is a gauntlet

Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts are fresh off consecutive losses for the first time this season, and have lost three of their last four games. This stretch includes a bye week that is often regarded as a much-needed break, yet the Colts have only provided questions than answers since.

The Colts famously began the 2025-26 season firing on all cylinders, climbing out to the AFC’s best 7-1 record through eight weeks. After they’d lose to the middling Pittsburgh Steelers in the week following, however, is when nonbelievers began to expose themselves. There were some in the weeks leading up to said loss, but the confidence in their claims grew louder after Pittsburgh.

Sitting with an 8-4 record and lots of rediscovered baggage at the end of Week 13, those previous allegations don’t seem so outlandish now. Here’s the comparison of Indy’s strength of schedule pre-bye week to that of its gauntlet post-Week 13, which is the NFL’s toughest remaining schedule according to Tankathon:

Pre-Bye Week opponents’ collective win percentage: .400

Post-Week 13 opponents’ collective win percentage: .672

The decision to cut the season in half for this exercise was to showcase how the previous ‘byproduct of an easier schedule’ allegations have some weight to them. Including both the Colts’ losses to Kansas City and Houston in Weeks 11-12 would’ve bolstered that win percentage, which seems a bit counterproductive given the Colts had no signs of slowing down post-Berlin win. For what it’s worth, even before the Chiefs and Texans bested the Colts, Indy’s post-bye week strength of schedule was good for the 4th-toughest (.589) leaguewide.

The Colts’ remaining schedule is arguably the definition of a gauntlet by NFL standards, with each of their five remaining contests featuring teams vying for the division lead. Not only is each team poised to win its division, but there’s a reality where every one of Indy’s remaining opponents could make the playoffs.

Week 14: @ Jacksonville (8-4)

Week 15: @ Seattle (9-3)

Week 16: 49ers (9-4)

Week 17: Jaguars (8-4)

Week 18: Texans (7-5)

The good news for Indianapolis is that everything remains in front of them. So long as they win out, they hold the record breaker over Houston and punch their ticket into the playoffs. The bad news, however, is that Jacksonville holds the tiebreaker over Indy going into Week 14. Even though the Colts and Jaguars have both of their divisional matchups left on the schedule, splitting the season series with both teams winning out would favor Jacksonville and ultimately name them the AFC South champions.

Indianapolis Colts fans, analysts, reporters, and even haters alike understand what’s at stake this coming weekend. They already bested one curse, the season-opener curse, but the biggest one looms largest: playing in Jacksonville, Florida. From Duval chants to clown masks, the Colts have their hands full as they look to not only get back on track as far as this season and regime go, but also defeat a curse that otherwise seems like an inevitable loss.

The losing streak in Jacksonville predates Chris Ballard and Co. — last win came in the 2014-15 season — but even the present members of this organization feel the pressure from the ghosts of the Colts’ past to get the job done. No exaggeration, if the Colts win this weekend, a majority of the recently surfaced doom and gloom outlook gets flushed down the toilet. This curse has turned into that much of a foregone conclusion.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...03/the-colts-remaining-schedule-is-a-gauntlet

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Five seconds changed the entire season for the Colts

Football is a game of inches. It is also a game of seconds. It doesn’t take long for a moment to completely alter a play, a game, or a season. Three moments across five or so seconds dictated the outcome of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans. Naturally, there were 3,595 other seconds of game play that had a say in this one, so while not everything can be blamed on those five fateful seconds, a lot can be chalked up to it.

Seconds 1-3​

Down 0-3 and struggling to move the ball, the Colts finally struck on a three play touchdown drive with a beautiful catch by Alec Pierce in the back of the endzone. It seemed like the Colts had finally figured out the rubix’s cube that is the Texan’s defense. Michael Badgley stepped in to put the Colts up four and just like the first touchdown against the Falcons, he missed the kick. Extra points are crucial, and while they can be missed once in a great while, Badgley is making too much of a habit out of it. The three seconds it took from the leg sweep to the clear miss put the Colts behind the eight ball the rest of the game. Instead of kicking a game tying field goal late, they had to go for it on fourth and long, and you know the outcome there.

Second 4​

Every snap has a play clock. After each play it resets to 40 seconds and once the ball is “in play” it can be pushed to 25 if needed. Once time expires, if it hasn’t been snapped, it is a five-yard penalty and replay of the previous down. Explaining that may appear to be unnecessary but don’t tell that to the officials on Sunday. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Texans faced a crucial third and fifteen from the Colts’ 25-yard line. Get off the field and force a field goal. What was third and fifteen should have moved to third and twenty because the Texans never got the ball off in time. That one second delay should have resulted in a five yard penalty and no play. It was never called and cost the Colts dearly.

Second 5​

How long does it take to throw a flag? If a little more than a second, pull half a second from the above and let’s proceed. The aforementioned missed delay of game penalty cost the Colts four points because after the missed call, the refs doubled down and called an egregious pass interference on Kenny Moore. That no contact call bailed the Texans out and allowed them to punch it in for seven. Take four points off the board and the Colts have the ball late in the fourth with the chance to take the lead on a field goal. Throw in the missed extra point and it would have required the Texans score a touchdown to win. That pass interference call changed the entire game and ultimately sunk the Colts.

A promising season is now on the brink because of a few ticks of the clock. Yes, there were other moments; other seconds that could have swung the game the other way. It is impossible to ignore that if those five seconds were reversed, or even called correctly, things would be different for the Colts. They would still be the AFC South leaders and have a really strong shot at the playoffs. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. That isn’t the case. Those five seconds are now part of history. The Colts are just hoping this season isn’t history as well.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...conds-changed-the-entire-season-for-the-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts sign Kicker Blake Grupe to Practice Squad

The 3rd search for a Colts Kicker in 2025 is over, and a new leg is in town.

Grupe went full send

CBS pic.twitter.com/q67bYJF3AF

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 5, 2025

Blake Grupe is a 3rd year Kicker who spent 2023-2025 with the Saints. He went 75/94 in his time in New Orleans with the following distance splits.

• 21/23 on 20-29 yard kicks
• 22/25 on 30-39 yard kicks
• 17/23 on 40-49 yard kicks
• 15/23 on 50+ yard kicks
• 86/88 on Extra Points

Don’t mistake the 5’7 156 lb kicker for lacking power, with his career long being 57 yards and hitting a 54+ yarder every year of his career.

The #Colts are signing former #Saints K Blake Grupe to the practice squad, source says. Grupe finds work quickly after impressing in a workout today, shortly before Indy cut K Michael Badgley. pic.twitter.com/3JQmH64e1M

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 2, 2025

Grupe was released by the Saints last week following a 1/3 Kicking performance against the Falcons where he missed kicks in the 30s and 40s distance ranges. The former Notre Dame Fighting Irishman has had a rough 2025 season with a career low 69.2% Field Goal % after going 81.1% in 2023 and 87.1% in 2024. He reunites with his former coach Brian Mason, who is the Colts special teams coordinator.

Blake Grupe has a history with #Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason, who coached him at Notre Dame in 2022. Grupe is in line to kick for Indy this week. https://t.co/KkjLitbEYf

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 2, 2025

Grupe potentially will be elevated a few times off of the practice squad before the Colts decide whether to sign him to the active roster full time. A player can be activated off of Practice squad 3 times before requiring to be signed to the active roster. Time will tell if he takes advantage of this opportunity and earns a full time job with the Colts for the remainder of the season.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...lts-sign-kicker-blake-grupe-to-practice-squad

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Give me your two best immediate fixes, to turn the Colts season around.

I am not going to lie, the Texans game hurt me. I think I am about as glass half full as they get, but when the game was over, I had had a hard time processing what had went wrong. There were so many fingers to point, but nothing would change the result. Two straight games of playing teams that were basically in win or go home mode, showed what we would see in the playoffs and we would have been sent home each time. I say this reluctantly, as I know my man card is on the line, but after the game, I handed the remote to my wife and watched a Hallmark movie from start to finish… I know!

Sometimes there are changes that appear clear to us fans, but they are usually roster related. Get so and so off the field! We can’t with with this guy playing this position. Sometimes we want the coach to change an approach. More runs, more passes, more shots down the field. Sometimes we want more effort or urgency. We are generally pretty sure we could win, if the coaches would just listen to us.

So what I’d like to ask of you today, is how would you fix the Colts to the point that they win the division? They have their destiny in their own hands, so what needs to be done to ensure that they get their hat in the ring with a home playoff game? I’d think that Steichen has to be aware that not making the playoffs, would likely see him being considered as a OC for a team who’s HC calls the plays, or maybe as a HC at the college level, so he should be highly motivated.

I honestly do not know of any starters on offense or defense, that I feel are costing the Colts games. That doesn’t mean that there is not a player that needs to be replaced. We replaced our ineffective kicker (not quite the same ring as our liquored up kicker), in a move that might have been made in the middle of the game if they allowed it. For you other old timers, where is Charlie Finley when you need him? We have no clue if Grupe has time to gain enough confidence from Steichen, to alter our approach to when to take points.

As for changes on offense, I’d have my first series “No Huddle”. Changing personnel seems unnecessary, considering our weapons. Warren is a dual threat and so are Pitt and AP. Taylor can run, pass block and should be given some routes from somewhere besides the backfield (See note*). If you want to keep the threat of a run, just put Warren back there, where he would also make a good last line of defense against the rush. If you had to be in a short yardage situation, our WR will be bigger than their DBs and it may work better than bringing in TEs, who might not be bigger than the LBs who come as counter measures. Get their D in a personnel package that you can exploit and keep them on the field.

(*While I am thinking about it. We often see JT motion wide, only to return. I understand that we are try to gain some knowledge, but does that mean that we get the same information every time? I never see them run the play while he is out there, so has the D shown something each and every time, which tells the offense he should return to the backfield? Would it hurt to get it to him while he was wide, or let him run a route from there? Rant over.*)

After a game like we just witnessed, there have to be a lot of opinions on what the weakest link is. I’d like for you to think of those moves as being in the best interest for this year, rather than just saying “Fire Everyone” and see who wants to play next year. The Colts currently hold a spot in the playoffs and control their own fate, so now is not a time to abandon ship.

So, you get 10 minutes with Shane, CB, or even Carlie. What two moves are you going to suggest to get the team a home playoff game and a chance at more? Mine would be the No Huddle and the kicker, so I can check one box.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...mediate-fixes-to-turn-the-colts-season-around

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts with several top vote-getters after first wave of Pro Bowl voting

The Indianapolis Colts may currently be amidst a fast track to implosion, but they’ve maintained enough individual success throughout the regular season that NFL fans far and wide are noticing.

The NFL held its first round of fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games this past week, with several Colts players emerging as top vote-getters in their respective position groups. We’ll see if this recognition continues after the next round of voting, as Indianapolis just dropped its third game in four tries. Even though these are inherently individual nods, team success is often a factor in voters’ analysis.

With that being said, below are the Colts players who have received top 10 votes for their position group:

Offense

Quarterback Daniel Jones (6th)

Running back Jonathan Taylor (1st)

Tight end Tyler Warren (2nd)

Guard Quenton Nelson (2nd)

Defense

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (9th)

Free safety Camryn Bynum (7th)

Strong safety Nick Cross (8th)

Running back Jonathan Taylor has remained a strong candidate for this year’s AP Offensive Player of the Year Award. His production has fallen in recent weeks, yet he’s still the leader in the clubhouse among major statistics for his position. Taylor’s 1,282 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns lead all rushers, and were good enough to earn the 4th-most total votes (25,134) from the early voting window.

The Colts had only three representatives at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games — linebacker Zaire Franklin, guard Quenton Nelson, and running back Jonathan Taylor — and even those three nods were a bit shocking due to the communal disappointment that was this past season.

Given the aforementioned sinking ship that the Colts appear to be on, bringing a light to individual efforts in a stretch that’s brought collective failure may be counterproductive. However, this roster is comprised of talented football players who have balled out; therefore, recognition is in order. So long as they get back on track, praising those who deserve it won’t be a problem moving forward.

To Indianapolis Colts and NFL fans alike: Go to Probowl.com/vote to cast your vote for the best NFL playmakers this season. There is no limit to how many times fans can vote daily.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...e-getters-after-first-wave-of-pro-bowl-voting

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Week 14 Poll: Will the Colts bounce back this week?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Colts fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 14, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/general/118637/week-14-poll-will-the-colts-bounce-back-this-week

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: WR Downs and CB Moore II Return To Practice

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Thursday injury report for Week 14 of the NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

thursday's practice report for #INDvsJAX. pic.twitter.com/fJd8y7AzBi

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 4, 2025

Wide receiver Josh Downs was a full participant at practice today. Downs missed practice yesterday with hip and knee, but him managing a full practice today, boosts his chances of playing Sunday. If Downs can play, it would be a big plus for a struggling offense.

Cornerback Kenny Moore II (illness/ankle) was a full participant at practice today. Moore II missed practice yesterday due to an illness and an ankle injury. Moore had been rehabbing an Achilles injury for most of the year, but it appears the illness at least he has started to recover from.

Defensive end Tyquan Lewis was limited at practice today with a groin injury. Lewis missed practice yesterday so a limited practice participant today is a positive step for his availability on Sunday. Lewis has been managing a groin injury for a big part of the season now, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him miss Sunday’s game.

Linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) was a full participant at practice against today. Carlies will either be activated from injured reserve this week or spend the rest of the season on on there. He has been practicing full for over two weeks now, so hopefully his return is imminent.

Quarterback Daniel Jones was a full participant at practice today. Jones is dealing with a fractured fibula that’s been playing through, and has so far, limited some of his mobility and pocket escapability.

Colts starting cornerback Sauce Gardner, recovering from a calf strain, has not practiced all week, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll be out this week, and likely a few more weeks.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...port-wr-downs-and-cb-moore-return-to-practice

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts Injury Report: LB Carlies And DE Lewis Both QUESTIONABLE; Gardner Out

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Friday injury report for Week 14 of the NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road for Sunday.

friday’s practice report for #INDvsJAX. pic.twitter.com/KXgOQsmULJ

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 5, 2025

Cornerback Sauce Gardner has been ruled OUT of Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with a calf injury. Gardner injured his calf early in the Texans game last week and is expected to miss multiple weeks because of it. Expect to see fellow cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon or Jaylon Jones line up at outside corner in his place.

Defensive end Tyquan Lewis been designated as QUESTIONABLE for this Sunday’s game against the Jaguars due to a groin injury. Lewis has been dealing with a groin injury for multiple weeks now and it still appears to be affecting him. He only managed to participate in one practice this week, and even then he was limited. If Lewis is unable to play, expect to see a bigger role for rookie 2nd round pick JT Tuimoloau.

Linebacker Jaylon Carlies been designated as QUESTIONABLE for this Sunday’s game against the Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Carlies is trying to work his way off injured reserve, and the team opened his 21 day window three weeks ago. The team now has to make the final decision to either activated him and if not, he will have to stay on injured reserve for the entire rest of the season. Carlies has managed three straight weeks of full practices, which is promising but it still remains to be seen if he will be activated or he’ll miss the entire 2025 season.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...es-and-de-lewis-both-questionable-gardner-out

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Players to Watch: Week 14 @Jaguars

Kwity Paye​

It is just so hard to judge Kwity Paye, because he is not bad by any means, but his impact as a pass-rusher is almost non-existent, save for perhaps one or two plays a game where he manages to get home, and it’s not like he is a wrecking force against the run either. I honestly do not understand how he keeps getting such a dominant amount of snaps, and I have no clue whether the Colts are going to attempt to re-sign him in the offseason or not, but his future financial health, and the Colts’ playoff chances, are in need of a late-season emergence.

Tanor Bortolini​

Bortolini had two missed snaps last week against the Texans, was suspect in pass-protection, and has not been getting to the second level as well as he was in recent games. It also does not help that he is facing exotic blitz packages every other snap, which probably takes a ton of mental effort to try and diagnose and beat. My belief is that Bortolini should be fine and is experiencing the pains of development, but if the Colts’ pass-protection is to improve, he will need to start showing some of those improvements as soon as possible.

Josh Downs​

After a blistering start, the Colts’ offense has really struggled in two areas where Downs used to be effective. Moving the chains, and getting quick separation. As a result of the struggles in both areas, opposing defenses are being able to blitz at an alarming rate without any repercusion because the offense just cannot get the quick outs. Downs needs to offer that security blanket to Jones once again, and the offense will start looking more like it did at the beginning of the year.

Blake Grupe​

Michael Badgley is no longer the Colts’ kicker after yet another missed extra point against the Texans last week, one that ended up being the difference between being forced to go for a touchdown or being able to kick a field goal to send the game to overtime late in the 4th. Newly signed Blake Grupe is 86-88 in XP in his career (15-15 this year), and average inside the 50-yard range. The Colts will probably still be aggressive on 4th down, so do not expect a ton of volume for Grupe, the team just needs him to get the extra points.

Joshua Hines-Allen (Jaguars)​

Hines-Allen always pops up against the Colts. It might be that he matches up really well against Braden Smith, or perhaps he just likes playing us, but he is consistently a game-wrecker. The Colts’ pass-protection has not been working well, and Jones’ production has been suffering as a result.

Andrew Wingard / Travon Walker (Jaguars)​

Keep an eye out for two injured Jaguars’ defensive players that have been making a big impact this season, and look more out than in on Sunday. Both Wingard and Walker have been really productive against the run, and after three consecutive games where the Colts’ passing game has sputtered Steichen could be forced to use a heavy dose of JT.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...118731/colts-players-to-watch-week-14-jaguars