The Colts are heading into Week 15 with a playoff push still within reach, but Wednesday’s injury report paints a picture of a roster that’s fighting through some serious wear and tear. As they prepare for a tough road matchup against the Seahawks, several key players are either limited or sidelined - and how this shakes out over the next few days could have a major impact on Sunday’s outcome.
Let’s start with the big man in the middle: DeForest Buckner. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle was a limited participant in practice as he works his way back from a neck injury.
Buckner had been on injured reserve for the past month with a back issue, so seeing him back on the field - even in a limited capacity - is a promising sign. If the Colts can get him back in time for the final stretch of the regular season, it would be a massive lift for a defense that thrives on interior disruption.
Buckner’s ability to collapse the pocket and command double-teams opens things up for everyone else on that front seven.
On the other side of the ball, the quarterback situation remains fluid. Rookie Riley Leonard was a full participant in practice, a positive development after he was unexpectedly thrown into action last Sunday.
Leonard stepped in after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles, and while the rookie had his ups and downs, just being able to take a full workload in practice suggests he’s physically ready if his number is called again. With the quarterback depth chart in flux, Leonard’s availability gives the Colts some flexibility - and a bit of peace of mind - heading into Seattle.
The secondary, however, continues to take hits. Cornerback Sauce Gardner missed practice again with a lingering calf injury that’s now kept him out for two weeks.
At this point, it’s looking unlikely he’ll be available for Sunday’s game. That’s a tough blow against a Seahawks offense that can stretch the field vertically.
Gardner’s absence forces the Colts to dig deeper into their cornerback rotation, likely relying on younger players to step up in a high-leverage situation.
Defensive end Tyquan Lewis was also sidelined today, still managing a groin injury that’s become a week-to-week concern. The team’s hoping he can get some work in later this week before making a final call on his status. Lewis has been a steady presence on the edge, and losing him - even for a game - would thin out the Colts’ pass rush rotation at a time when they’ll need to pressure a mobile quarterback.
And then there’s the offensive line, where right tackle Braden Smith is dealing with both a neck issue and a concussion. Smith is currently in the league’s concussion protocol, and while nothing’s official yet, the expectation is that he’ll miss Sunday’s game.
That sets up a potential shake-up on the right side of the line. Rookie Jalen Travis could get the nod at right tackle, or the Colts might slide second-year guard Dalton Tucker into the mix.
Either way, it’s a test for a young offensive line group that’s already been shuffled more than they’d like this season.
Injuries are part of life in December football, but for the Colts, this week’s report underscores just how much they’ll be counting on depth, adaptability, and next-man-up mentality. With playoff hopes still alive, the margin for error is shrinking - and every snap, every substitution, and every recovery matters just a little more.