Colts Make Final Decision on RB Zack Moss' Availability vs. Falcons
The Indianapolis Colts have elevated wide receiver Ethan Fernea and offensive tackle Jared Veldheer to the active roster ahead of Week 16's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.
“Elevated wide receiver Ethan Fernea and tackle Jared Veldheer to the active roster from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game," Colts owner Jim Irsay posted on X.
While Fernea hasn’t seen much playing time, he hasn’t had much of a chance to get on the field during a meaningful game either, so perhaps this will be a way for him to make an impact by being elevated to the active roster against the Falcons. Look for Fernea to potentially be on special teams if he gets the nod to see in-game action.
As for Veldheer, the 11th-year pro helped the Colts back in 2020 when they needed offensive line depth, filling in at left tackle, and playing solid during Indy's last playoff season. This could potentially put rookie Blake Freeland on notice, as Veldheer has started 114 career games and might push him for the starting spot in place of Braden Smith (knee) at right tackle.
On the other side of the news, it’s also been reported that the Colts’ leading rusher, Zack Moss, will miss the game due to a forearm injury. Along with Moss, Smith, center Jack Anderson, and linebacker Segun Olubi will also miss the game.
Moss has 177 carries for 764 rushing yards (4.3 avg) and five rushing TDs. He’s also caught 27 passes for 192 receiving yards and another two scores, giving him seven all-purpose touchdowns on the season.
Even though Jonathan Taylor will play and likely lead the backfield, it’s still a huge loss, as when Moss is been on the field, they're arguably the best running back duo in the NFL.
Look for Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon to complement Taylor in the backfield, as both are coming off of a great performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers while leading the rushing charge.
This is yet another big game for the Colts to win, this time in Atlanta on Christmas Eve. Will Moss’ absence negatively affect Shane Steichen’s offensive attack?
It didn’t matter when both Taylor and Moss were absent in Week 15, so look for Steichen to use these three backs as a battering ram to open up the rest of his gameplan against Arthur Smith’s Falcons at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
