The Colts are deep into the playoff push, but as they prepare for a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Jaguars, the injury report is starting to look like a game plan in itself. Wednesday’s update painted a picture of a team battling on multiple fronts - not just against Jacksonville, but against the attrition that comes with late-season football.
Let’s break down what we know from today’s practice report and what it could mean heading into Sunday.
Tanor Bortolini (Concussion) - DNP
Center Tanor Bortolini is in concussion protocol and didn’t practice Wednesday.
That’s a tough blow for a Colts offensive line that’s already had to do plenty of reshuffling this season. Unless Bortolini clears protocol quickly - which is always uncertain - it’s likely veteran Danny Pinter steps in at center.
Pinter’s experience gives the Colts a steady hand in the middle, but losing Bortolini at this stage isn’t ideal. The chemistry between a center and quarterback is critical, especially with a young signal-caller working his way back.
DeForest Buckner (Neck) - DNP
DeForest Buckner’s absence is one to watch closely.
The star defensive tackle was just activated off IR last week and is now back on the injury report with the same neck issue. It’s possible this was a planned rest day to manage his workload, but any setback with Buckner is significant.
He’s the anchor of that defensive front - a tone-setter who can collapse a pocket and blow up run plays. If he’s not 100%, the Colts’ defense loses a major piece of its identity.
Sauce Gardner (Calf) - DNP
Cornerback Sauce Gardner continues to sit with a calf injury, and at this point, the odds of him returning this season are looking slimmer by the day.
It’s a tough break for a player who was expected to be a key figure in the secondary. Without Gardner, the Colts’ pass defense has had to lean on depth and scheme - and while they’ve held up admirably at times, the margin for error shrinks considerably against a Jaguars offense that can stretch the field.
Drew Ogletree (Neck) - DNP
Tight end Drew Ogletree also missed practice with a neck injury.
He’s carved out a role as a reliable blocker and has shown flashes in the passing game, especially since Philip Rivers came into the fold. If Ogletree can’t go, the Colts may need to lean more on their tight end depth - not just for receiving help, but for support in the run game and pass protection.
Bernhard Raimann (Elbow) - Limited
Left tackle Bernhard Raimann was limited in practice with the elbow injury that kept him out last week.
That’s a sign of progress - he’s already matched his practice participation from a week ago. The Colts have held their own without him, but there’s no question that getting Raimann back would be a major boost.
He’s been a stabilizing force on the edge, and with the offensive line already stretched thin, his return would be timely.
Anthony Richardson (Eye) - Limited
Quarterback Anthony Richardson remains limited as he continues his recovery from an eye injury.
He’s still on injured reserve, but the Colts are clearly holding out hope he can be activated before season’s end. It’s a delicate balance - you want to get your franchise quarterback reps, but only if he’s fully ready.
Until then, the team will keep monitoring his progress closely.
Daniel Scott (Knee), Ashton Dulin (Hamstring) - Full Participants
There’s some good news on the injury front: safety Daniel Scott and wide receiver Ashton Dulin were both full participants as they work toward returning from IR.
Scott adds depth and versatility to the secondary, while Dulin brings value not just as a receiver but on special teams. Both could be activated soon, and their return would give the Colts a little more flexibility down the stretch.
Dalton Tucker (Shoulder) - DNP
Guard Dalton Tucker didn’t practice due to a shoulder injury.
That’s a concern for a unit that’s already had to do some serious juggling. With both starting tackles out last week, the Colts shifted Matt Goncalves to right tackle and plugged Tucker in at right guard.
If Tucker can’t go, it creates another hole in a line that’s already patching things together. Depth is being tested, and the Colts can’t afford another domino to fall.
JT Tuimoloau (Oblique) - DNP
Rookie defensive end JT Tuimoloau missed practice with an oblique injury.
He’s been playing a bigger role in the defensive line rotation lately, especially with other injuries up front. Tuimoloau’s energy and motor have stood out, and losing him would thin out a group that’s already leaned heavily on its backups.
Bottom Line:
The Colts are in survival mode, but they’re not alone - this is what December football looks like.
The injury report is long, and the questions are plenty. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that key players like Raimann, Richardson, Scott, and Dulin are trending in the right direction.
The next few days will be critical as the Colts try to get as close to full strength as possible before a crucial divisional showdown. Every snap, every player counts - and this team knows it.