The Indianapolis Colts head into a pivotal Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance-and a growing injury list that’s making the road even tougher.
Let’s start with the most significant blow: quarterback Daniel Jones is likely done for the season with an Achilles injury. That’s a major setback for a Colts team that’s already had to navigate instability under center. With Jones sidelined, the Colts will need to lean even harder on their depth and creativity on offense-easier said than done this late in the year.
The hits didn’t stop there. Wide receiver Alec Pierce exited late in the fourth quarter of their loss to the Jaguars with an undisclosed injury, and starting tackle Braden Smith left the game due to a concussion.
Smith’s absence looms large, especially against a Seattle front that’s been quietly effective at generating pressure. If he can’t go, the Colts’ offensive line will be tested in a big way.
There is a bit of potential good news: defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (neck) and quarterback Anthony Richardson (eye) are both eligible to return from injured reserve. Buckner’s presence in the trenches would be a massive boost for a defense that’s struggled to generate consistent disruption up front. Richardson, meanwhile, remains a long-term piece, but his status is still worth monitoring as the team evaluates its future under center.
Unfortunately, cornerback Sauce Gardner is unlikely to play due to a calf injury. That’s a tough loss in a secondary that’s already been stretched thin. Against a Seahawks offense that can spread the field, not having Gardner could create some mismatches the Colts would rather avoid.
On the other side, Seattle comes into this one relatively healthy where it matters most. The Seahawks aren’t missing any starters, but they did lose tight end Elijah Arroyo and defensive tackle Brandon Pili to knee injuries in their recent win over Atlanta. Both had been contributing rotational snaps, and their absence could be felt in the depth chart, especially as the wear and tear of December football sets in.
Seattle also played last week without defensive tackle Rylie Mills (knee) and receiver Dareke Young (quadriceps). While neither is a starter, both provide valuable depth and special teams contributions. Their availability will be something to watch as the week progresses.
Here’s a snapshot of who’s currently on injured reserve for both squads:
Colts Injured Reserve:
- Salvon Ahmed, RB
- DeForest Buckner, DT
- Ashton Dulin, WR
- Blake Freeland, T
- D.J.
Montgomery, WR
- Jacob Phillips, LB
- Anthony Richardson, QB
- Daniel Scott, S
- Spencer Shrader, K
- Justin Walley, CB
- Jack Wilson, T
- Hunter Wohler, S
Seahawks Injured Reserve:
- A.J.
Finley, S
- George Holani, RB
- Tory Horton, WR
- Kenny McIntosh, RB
- Erric Saubert, TE
- Jalen Sundell, C
- Chazz Surratt, LB
With so much on the line, the Colts are limping into one of their most important games of the season. They’ll need to find answers quickly-both in the training room and on the field-if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. Seattle, meanwhile, looks to keep its momentum going and take advantage of a banged-up opponent.
This one’s shaping up to be a test of depth, resilience, and late-season execution-exactly the kind of matchup that separates contenders from pretenders.