INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Colts face a long drive down I-74 on Sunday afternoon.
In Week 14, the Colts (7-5) and Bengals (6-6) square off, with major playoff implications on the line.
What did the Colts teach us on Wednesday?
This Sunday, Grover Stewart returns to the lineup. The Colts have given up at least 125 yards in six straight weeks, with the entire stretch occurring while Stewart was suspended. This is the longest streak for the Colts since the 2006 season (and the second longest since 1988). “I guess it’s kind of obvious, but he definitely helps our defensive line,” Stewart said. “He’s a really good player and he’s a big-time player that’s going to help us.” Stewart refused to say what he ingested that caused him to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, but he did say he decided not to appeal the 6-game suspension because he didn’t want to prolong his absence.
Another aspect of Stewart’s return is keeping some offensive linemen away from the Colts’ linebackers, particularly Zaire Franklin. Franklin has had his two lowest tackle games of the season in the last two weeks (6 and 7). Franklin had just one solo tackle against the Titans in 85 defensive snaps. Those are very low numbers for Franklin when compared to what he was putting up earlier in the season. The Buccaneers and Titans ran it effectively against the Colts in those two games. So Stewart’s return should (and hopefully will) help a struggling run defense and free up Freeman.
Jonathan Taylor’s thumb rehab began one week ago on Wednesday. Shane Steichen did not say whether Taylor will play against the Bengals or if his timetable has changed in any way on Wednesday. Taylor’s return is expected to take three to five weeks, according to NFL Network. If that holds true, Taylor will miss at least Sunday’s game against the Bengals (1.5 weeks after surgery) and next Saturday’s game against the Steelers (2.5 weeks after surgery).
According to the New York Times NFL Playoff Predictor, the Colts’ playoff chances will change by 31% depending on whether they win or lose against the Bengals on Sunday. We’ll do this every week for the rest of the season, as the Colts are in playoff contention. More information on the Colts’ current playoff chances can be found here.
Braden Smith has had an injury-plagued season in 2023, missing four games and leaving after only three snaps on Sunday. Smith’s availability for this week is uncertain following the knee injury he suffered on Sunday’s first series. Smith also missed six games in 2021. The veteran right tackle is under contract through 2025, but the Colts can opt out after this season for a $6 million dead cap hit.. Given Smith’s age of 27, that thought is probably a little premature. But I get this type of question all the time, so I thought I’d let you know where things stand with Smith. Rookie Blake Freeland has filled a critical role in Year One, and the fourth-round pick has performed admirably. We’ll see if the Colts have to rely on Freeland again in the future.
Sunday will provide the toughest wide receiver challenge of the season, as predicted at the start of the season. You have top-tier talent in Jamar Chase, who is always dangerous, as well as quality depth in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. The Colts’ cornerback depth will be tested, as it has been all season, particularly in recent weeks. Could this be JuJu Brents’ comeback? Shane Steichen would not comment on Wednesday, when the Colts were only holding a walk-through. Brents (quad) has missed 5 straight games in 6 weeks (including a bye week).
While the Bengals offense has been below average this season, the Bengals defense has been at the bottom of the league. Cincinnati ranks 31st in yards per game, 32nd in rushing yards per play, and 31st in passing yards per play. That’s terrible.
Both the Colts and the Bengals are coming off of overtime games, though Indianapolis’ 60-plus minute contest ended 36 hours before Cincinnati’s trip to Jacksonville. Is there a chance the Colts can take advantage of the Bengals’ short week after such a long road trip?
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