The Indianapolis Colts are no strangers to the injury bug this season, and it’s taken a serious toll. What started as a promising campaign has unraveled in the second half, with the team sliding down the standings and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Injuries are part of the game, sure-but how a team responds to them often separates contenders from pretenders. Just look at the San Francisco 49ers.
They've dealt with their own share of setbacks, losing quarterback Brock Purdy for nearly half the season and seeing defensive stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner go down for the year. And yet, they’ve kept winning.
That speaks volumes about their depth-and how well their backups have stepped up.
The Colts, on the other hand, haven’t been so fortunate in that department. One glaring example: second-year guard Dalton Tucker. Forced into extended action twice this season, Tucker’s performance has raised serious concerns about his future in Indianapolis.
Let’s rewind to Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. Tucker stepped in for Matt Goncalves and struggled mightily.
In 40 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed five quarterback pressures and picked up a penalty. That’s a rough outing by any standard, and it put a spotlight on just how unprepared he looked in live action.
Fast forward to Week 16, and things didn’t get any better. With Braden Smith sidelined due to a concussion and placed on injured reserve, the Colts shuffled the line again.
Goncalves slid out to right tackle, and Tucker was back in at right guard. This time, against a relentless 49ers front, he gave up three pressures-including two sacks-and was flagged once more.
Here’s the concerning part: despite playing meaningful snaps in just two games, Tucker has already allowed eight total pressures. That ranks sixth among all Colts offensive linemen this season.
For a guy who’s only seen extended action twice, that’s a red flag. The Colts simply can’t afford to keep rolling the dice with him on the field.
Looking ahead to Week 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there’s still a chance Tucker might see the field again if Smith remains out. But there is a more stable alternative.
Rookie Jalen Travis has shown promise, holding his own at both tackle spots in recent weeks. If left tackle Bernhard Raimann returns from an elbow injury, that could allow Goncalves to stay at right guard and Travis to step in at right tackle-keeping Tucker on the bench, where he’s less of a liability.
The bottom line is this: while injuries have forced the Colts to test their depth, it’s become clear that Dalton Tucker isn’t the answer. Whether it’s pass protection or penalties, his play has consistently put the offense in tough spots. As the Colts look ahead to 2026 and beyond, it’s hard to see a path where Tucker factors into the long-term equation.