The Colts are heading into Sunday’s home date with the Cowboys still dealing with a hole in the lineup, and it’s the same one that showed up last week: slot defender Justin Walley remains out of the mix.
Indianapolis opened its Week 9 prep for Dallas at Lucas Oil Stadium with a handful of familiar names on the report. Walley, who got hurt in Week 7 and missed last week’s game, was still unavailable Wednesday.
The Colts also had Davis-Gaither on the list, and his situation is worth watching after he’s bounced in and out of a knee designation this season and also played through a hand injury last week. If he can’t go Sunday, Jaylon Carlies would likely step in at WILL linebacker.
Ogletree, Walley, Boettcher, and Gould all showed up on last week’s injury report. Ogletree was able to play, while the other three did not.
Boettcher and Gould have now missed the last two games, and Walley sat out for the first time after the Week 7 injury. Kapena Gushiken filled his spot in the lineup.
Dallas, meanwhile, had a longer list to sort through on Wednesday. Caleb Downs, Jake Ferguson, Broderick Jones, Malachi Lawrence, P.J.
Locke, Von Miller, and Kavontae Turpin all did not participate. Downs and Locke are both starters in the secondary, with Downs working in the nickel and Locke at strong safety, so their availability matters for a defense that’s already been giving up plenty.
Any missed time there would be a major opening for a Colts offense that needs one.
Ferguson was also among the players sidelined Wednesday. The starting tight end has three touchdowns and six first downs this season, and if he’s unable to play, Dak Prescott loses one of his steadier options when the Cowboys need a reliable target.
George Pickens, Luke Schoonmaker, Tyler Smith, and Dee Winters were limited. Schoonmaker, Shelton, Turpin, and Winters were all out last week, so their status will need another look as the week goes on.
Jonathan Bullard, Kenny Clark, Marist Liufau, Joey Porter Jr., and Drew Shelton were full participants.
In Other News...
Colts Just Locked In A Key Defender For What Comes Next
Adetomiwa Adebawores rise has given the Colts something they can actually plan around on the defensive front. A fourth-round pick in 2023, he has steadily worked his way into a more important role, and Indianapolis has now made it clear it views him as part of the long-term core rather than just another young lineman trying to find his footing.
The extension also says plenty about where the Colts think they need to go next up front. With the defensive tackle room set for a rebuild, locking in Adebawore gives the team a dependable starting point as it reshapes the interior of the defense, and it puts more pressure on the front office to find the right pieces around him. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Finally Made A Move Fans Can Feel Good About
After spending much of the season looking for stability up front, the Colts have made a move that should sit well with their fan base. Indianapolis has agreed to a contract extension with defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore, rewarding a player who has taken a noticeable step forward this year in both pass-rushing and run defense.
Adebawores growth has given the Colts a more encouraging piece to build around on the defensive line, especially with his improved disruption in the backfield and steadier play against the run. For a team that has spent plenty of time searching for answers, keeping a young lineman trending in the right direction is the kind of decision that can make the rest of the roster feel a little more settled. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Taylor Trade Buzz Puts Colts In A Tough Spot
The trade deadline chatter around Jonathan Taylor has put the Colts in an awkward position, with the Giants reportedly showing interest in the running back as they look to address both their offense and defensive front. New York is also exploring other playmakers and linemen, but Taylor remains a name to watch because of the kind of impact he can still bring if a deal ever gets serious.
Indianapolis, though, is not in a position to move him cheaply. The Colts are believed to be asking for a steep return, which makes any potential agreement tricky even for a team actively shopping for help. For now, the buzz says as much about the market as it does about Taylor, and it leaves the Colts balancing roster value against the possibility of a deadline move that may never get close. [Read more 🡒]
