The Indianapolis Colts are staring down a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars - and while it’s not technically a must-win, it’s about as close as it gets without the season hanging in the balance. A loss wouldn’t eliminate them from playoff contention, but it would put a serious dent in their path to the AFC South crown. With the division still very much up for grabs, every game from here on out carries a postseason-level weight.
Unfortunately for Indy, they’ll be heading into this one without a few key pieces on both sides of the ball.
Defensive anchor DeForest Buckner remains sidelined, still on injured reserve with a neck injury. There’s no clear timetable for his return, though both he and the team are holding out hope that he can make it back before the regular season wraps. Buckner’s absence leaves a noticeable void in the middle of the Colts’ defensive front - his blend of power and disruption isn’t easily replaced.
**The secondary takes another hit as well. ** Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was brought in at the trade deadline and has only suited up three times for the Colts, will miss Week 14 with a calf injury sustained in last week’s game.
The team had already hinted that Gardner might be out for multiple weeks, so this development doesn’t come as a shock. Depending on how his recovery goes, we may not see him again until Week 16 or later.
But it’s not all bad news.
Slot receiver Josh Downs, who’s been managing both hip and knee issues, looks ready to go. He didn’t participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough, but returned as a full participant in Thursday’s practice - a strong sign that he’ll be active and involved against Jacksonville. Downs' ability to work the middle of the field and stretch defenses horizontally has been a quiet but critical part of the Colts’ offensive rhythm this season.
And then there’s Daniel Jones.
Say what you will about his limitations right now - and yes, they’re visible - but the guy is gutting it out with a broken fibula and still practicing fully. He’s not moving like he did earlier in the year, but he’s still giving this team the best chance to win.
That speaks volumes about his toughness and leadership. Even at less than 100%, he’s clearly ahead of the other options behind him on the depth chart.
Jones will be under center in Week 14, but if the Colts want to take some pressure off their quarterback and keep the offense balanced, it’s time to lean more heavily on Jonathan Taylor. Taylor remains one of the most dynamic backs in football when he’s given the opportunity to find a rhythm. The Colts are at their most dangerous when Taylor is getting consistent touches - not just as a runner, but as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
On the defensive side, Tyquan Lewis is trending in the right direction. He was listed as limited in Thursday’s practice, but hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday. His presence off the edge would be a welcome boost, especially with Buckner out and Gardner unavailable.
Linebacker Jaylon Carlies is also making some noise after being sidelined since the preseason. He’s been practicing this week, but the team hasn’t yet activated him from injured reserve.
That decision will likely come down to a game-time call or a move later in the week. If he does return, it would add depth to a linebacker group that’s been tested throughout the season.
Bottom line: This Week 14 clash with the Jaguars isn’t win-or-go-home, but it’s a major checkpoint in the Colts’ playoff journey. With key players out, others stepping up, and the division still within reach, this is the kind of game that could define Indy’s season - for better or worse.