With the AFC South crown hanging in the balance, the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) head into a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) with a few notable names sidelined. The inactives list, released ahead of Sunday’s 1 PM EST kickoff, offers some insight into how the Colts are managing their depth chart in a game that could shape the division race down the stretch.
Headlining the list is cornerback Sauce Gardner, who’s out with a calf injury. Gardner had already been ruled out over the weekend, so his absence isn’t a surprise, but it’s still a significant blow to a secondary that’s been leaning on his coverage skills. Defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (ankle) also won’t suit up, another pre-weekend decision that forced the Colts to shuffle things up in the trenches.
To help fill that void up front, the team elevated veteran defensive lineman Chris Wormley from the practice squad. Wormley brings experience and a reliable rotational presence, and his call-up coincides with backup defensive tackle Eric Johnson II being active again after being a healthy scratch last week.
That’s a notable shift, especially considering DeForest Buckner remains on injured reserve with a neck injury. Johnson’s return gives the Colts a bit more muscle inside as they try to contain a Jaguars offense that can get downhill in a hurry.
One of the more interesting decisions on the inactive list is veteran safety George Odum, who’s a healthy scratch this week. Odum, a two-time All-Pro on special teams, had been filling in as a gunner with Ashton Dulin still sidelined. His absence likely signals a shift in the special teams rotation or a numbers game that favored defensive line depth over special teams versatility in this matchup.
The rest of the inactives-rookie running back D.J. Giddens, safety Reuben Lowery III, tight end Will Mallory, and offensive tackle Luke Tenuta-have been regulars on this list in recent weeks. All four are healthy scratches and remain developmental pieces or depth options at the bottom of the roster for now.
With both teams sitting at 8-4, this game has major implications for playoff positioning and divisional bragging rights. The Colts are clearly prioritizing trench depth and defensive flexibility as they prepare for a Jaguars squad that’s proven it can exploit mismatches when given the chance. Keep an eye on how the defensive front holds up without Lewis and Buckner-and whether the reshuffled special teams unit can maintain its usual edge without Odum in the mix.