The Colts walked into Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings already shorthanded, and the inactive list only confirmed how thin things are. Indianapolis ruled out seven players for the game, including key names on both sides of the ball, while cornerback Justin Walley was available after sitting in the questionable window.
The biggest blowouts on the list came before kickoff. Linebacker CJ Allen was out with an ankle injury, Sauce Gardner missed the game because of a calf issue, return specialist Anthony Gould was sidelined with a concussion, and tight end Tyler Warren was unavailable again.
Bryce Boettcher, who had been questionable with a groin injury, was made inactive as well. The Colts also listed quarterback Riley Leonard as the emergency QB3, along with interior offensive lineman Dalton Tucker.
Here is the full Indianapolis inactive group:
- LB CJ Allen (ankle)
- LB Bryce Boettcher (groin)
- CB Sauce Gardner (calf)
- WR Anthony Gould (concussion)
- QB Riley Leonard (emergency QB3)
- IOL Dalton Tucker
- TE Tyler Warren (groin)
With Allen and Boettcher both out, Jaylon Carlies is expected back in the mix at WILL linebacker next to MIKE Akeem Davis-Gaither. Carlies has missed the last two weeks with a rib injury, and Germaine Pratt along with Austin Ajiake should also see more work.
At corner, Cam Taylor-Britt is the likeliest option to start in Gardner’s spot, just as he did when Gardner left the game last week. If needed, Walley could slide into Gardner’s role and Taylor-Britt could take over Walley’s nickel duties.
Tight end remains unsettled with Warren out for a second straight week. Will Mallory is set to handle the primary pass-catching role, with Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Pharaoh Brown rotating in behind him.
Gould’s absence matters on special teams and in the passing game, though Ashton Dulin is back after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.
Minnesota’s inactive list was much shorter:
- QB Max Brosmer
- RB Demond Claiborne
- CB Chuck Demmings
- S Jakobe Thomas
- OT Caleb Tiernan
- DL Elijah Williams
The Vikings entered the day in clean shape injury-wise, with no injury designations and running back Jordan Mason returning from Injured Reserve this week.
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