Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE
The injury bug has run it’s course through the Indianapolis Colts so far this season, but now most of the guys affected should be ready to go this weekend. The Colts travel to play AFC South division foe Tennessee Titans for Sunday’s game, but most of their guys on the injury list should play.
Colts coach Bruce Arians told us in his media availability today that every player but defensive end Fili Moala and cornerback Darius Butler will practice today. Everyone else will at least see limited practice time in efforts to have everyone suit up and ready to go for Sunday.
What that means is, Donald Brown, Joe Reitz, Robert Mathis, Cory Redding, Vontae Davis, Dwight Freeney, and Pat Angerer all will practice today and most likely suit up on Sunday. Arians said, “We got some good depth now. Only Butler and Moala will sit out practice today. The rest will practice as all hands on deck.”
Only Davis, Freeney, and Angerer played last game as the others sat out. I wouldn’t expect Brown to get many carries if he does play, but having him and the rest back only adds depth. Getting Redding and Mathis back is a huge help on the defensive side as the Colts will try and stop Titans running back Chris Johnson.
I feel if the Colts can stop Johnson they will win this football game. Having these guys back helps.
Arians did say Angerer won’t start on Sunday but “he came through the Browns game fine and will up his reps.” Angerer did great is his role last week so expect nothing different this week. The team is just taking extra precaution so he doesn’t get injured again. He will see a lot of time Sunday and it will help tremendously.
Look for the Colts to start Mathis, Freeney, Kavell Conner, and Jerrell Freeman in the linebacking spots on Sunday. Having Angerer as a reserve makes this unit one of the best in the AFC right now.
On the offensive side of the ball I’d still expect the Colts to start rookie Vick Ballard even with Brown being able to practice. He did a good enough job the last two weeks so rushing Brown back isn’t necessary. Expect Brown to play some though, but his services of carrying the ball the most out of the backs isn’t needed.
The only other injury related news for the offense is the possibility of Reitz being healthy to play. He started left guard almost all of last year and was expected to play the same role this season. He’s been banged up though and Jeff Linkenbach has filled in nicely. Arians said, “Linkenbach is staying at left guard for now unless Joe Reitz knocks my socks off in practice.”
All of this is a good thing as the Colts finally are getting healthy at the right time.
