The Colts head into a high-stakes Week 16 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, but they’ll be doing it without a key piece of their offensive line - and that could spell trouble for veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.
Indianapolis officially ruled out starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann due to an elbow injury, a blow that adds another layer of complexity to an already tough matchup. Raimann had been listed as questionable throughout the week, but the team made the call to sit him ahead of Monday night’s game.
That means Luke Tenuta will step in to protect Rivers’ blind side - not exactly a small task when you're facing a 49ers defense that thrives on pressure and physicality in the trenches. Losing your starting left tackle is never ideal, but when your quarterback is 44 years old and fresh off a multi-year retirement, it becomes even more critical.
Rivers made his return to the field in Week 15, and while the Colts didn’t come away with the win, his presence brought a noticeable spark. He completed 66.7% of his passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in the 18-16 loss to the Seahawks - not eye-popping numbers, but a solid outing considering the circumstances. More importantly, he brought a sense of calm and control to an offense that’s been cycling through quarterbacks like a team trying to find the right radio station.
At 8-6, the Colts are still very much alive in the AFC South race, but the margin for error is razor-thin. They’ll need some help - namely, losses from the Jaguars and Texans - to climb to the top of the division. But with Rivers now under center, there’s at least a sense that this team has a fighting chance.
The offensive line, though, will need to hold up its end of the bargain. Raimann’s absence puts more pressure on Tenuta and the rest of the unit to keep Rivers upright and give him time to work.
The 49ers’ front seven is no joke - they bring pressure from all angles and can collapse a pocket in the blink of an eye. For a quarterback who’s never been known for his mobility, that’s a dangerous recipe.
Still, Rivers has made a career out of quick reads, smart decisions, and getting the ball out before the rush gets home. If the Colts can establish some rhythm early and avoid obvious passing downs, they might be able to keep the 49ers’ pass rush at bay just enough to stay in the fight.
This game isn’t just about playoff implications - it’s about identity. The Colts are trying to prove they can hang with one of the NFC’s elite, even while dealing with injuries and a quarterback situation that’s been anything but conventional. Monday night will be a test of resilience, execution, and whether this late-season reunion with Rivers can become something more than just a feel-good story.
One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on that left side of the line. Because if Rivers is going to lead this team to a playoff berth, it starts with protection - and the Colts are going to have to find it without their starting left tackle.