Colts-Falcons Injury Report: Two Key Playmakers Push for a Return
The 8-6 Indianapolis Colts will face off against the 6-8 Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
The Colts are coming off a massive 30-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping an eight-game losing streak to Mike Tomlin that stretched 15 years. However, the Colts suffered two big setbacks, with WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) and RB Zack Moss (arm) missing most of the contest after leaving the game and not returning.
After Wednesday’s practice report, there are promising signs of a Pittman return, as well as a “full participant” status for running back Jonathan Taylor post-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 bad game against the Cincinnati Bengals and would follow up against the Steelers with an uncharacteristic 3-of-5 on field-goal attempts. This might explain his kicking issues, and he’ll try to get back to basics and make consistent field goals. Indy has relied on Gay to win games this year, so missing him could prove costly.
As for Moss, he had a broken forearm in the off-season that he recovered from, so he will look to complement Shane Steichen’s ground attack against a vulnerable Falcons defense.
Lastly, Smith’s presence was missed against Pittsburgh, as T.J. Watt would wreak havoc on rookie swing tackle Blake Freeland, nabbing two sacks in the process.
As for Johnson and Pittman, it’s a good sign that both are trending toward a return. Johnson is a solid depth piece for the defensive interior, while Pittman is nearly the entire Colts receiving threat.
While Moss could still miss time, look for Pittman to push hard for a return. This is especially true with the news of a full practice from Taylor, a fellow bell-cow.
If Taylor can return for the final three-game stretch, it will help Indy’s offense have the best chance to win out and push for a potential 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 holding onto their season right now and are looking to try and get back to better football.
Right away, the names of Campbell and Onyemata not practicing could be problematic in facing off against a tough Colts offensive line. If neither of these two plays, the running game could be in for a lot of work on Sunday for Indianapolis.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons have struggled offensively. Head coach Arthur Smith is likely happy to see multiple offensive linemen on their way to a potential return.
Even though the Falcons have run the ball well with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, they’ve only put up about 200 passing yards per game and have allowed 36 sacks (t-ninth-most in the NFL). Currently, Indy has put up 46 (t-third in the NFL), which means it could be a long day for Taylor Heinicke 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.
The rest of this week’s practices will tell a big story about how this game will lay out on Christmas Eve. We’ll see who comes out on top in another game for the Colts that has playoff implications.
