On Christmas Eve, the 8-6 Indianapolis Colts will face the 6-8 Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Colts are coming off a massive 30-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping a 15-year losing streak to Mike Tomlin. The Colts, on the other hand, suffered two major setbacks, with WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) and RB Zack Moss (arm) missing the majority of the game after leaving the game and not returning.
Following Wednesday’s practice report, there are encouraging signs of a Pittman return, as well as running back Jonathan Taylor’s return to “full participant” status following thumb surgery.
The injury reports for the Colts and Falcons from Wednesday are listed below.
Colts on Wednesday
Did Not Take Part C Jack Anderson (illness), Matt Gay (right hip), Zack Moss (forearm), Segun Olubi (hip), and Brad Smith (knee) are all out.
DT Eric Johnson II (ankle) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) are both limited participants.
RB is a full participant. (Thumb) Jonathan Taylor
Gay had a poor game against the Cincinnati Bengals and then went 3-for-5 on field-goal attempts against the Steelers. This could explain his kicking problems, and he’ll try to get back to the basics and hit more field goals. Indy has relied on Gay to win games this season, so his absence could be costly.
Moss, who suffered a broken forearm in the offseason but recovered, will look to supplement Shane Steichen’s ground attack against a vulnerable Falcons defense.
Finally, Smith’s presence was missed against Pittsburgh, as T.J. Watt wrecked havoc on rookie swing tackle Blake Freeland, recording two sacks.
As for Johnson and Pittman, it’s a good sign that both are on the mend. Johnson is a solid defensive interior-depth piece, while Pittman is nearly the entire Colts receiving threat.
While Moss may still miss time, Pittman will work hard to get him back. This is especially true now that Taylor, a fellow bell cow, has announced a full practice.
If Taylor is able to return for the final three games, Indy’s offense will have a better chance of winning the AFC South divisional title.
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Wednesday is Falcons Day.
Did Not Take Part: DE Calais Campbell (rest), Cordarrelle Patterson (rest), RB/WR/KR T Kaleb McGary (knee), David Onyemata (ankle).
G (Limited Participant) Chris Lindstrom (ankle), Drew Dalman (ankle), and Jake Matthews (knee) are all out.
FB Keith Smith (ankle) and LB Bud Dupree (rear)
The Falcons are clinging to their season and hoping to get back to playing better football.
Immediately, the absences of Campbell and Onyemata could be problematic when facing a tough Colts offensive line. If neither of these two plays occurs, Indianapolis’ running game could be in for a long day on Sunday.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons have struggled. Head coach Arthur Smith is probably pleased to see multiple offensive linemen on their way back.
Even though Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have run the ball well, the Falcons have only averaged about 200 passing yards per game and have allowed 36 sacks (t-ninth in the NFL). Currently, Indy has 46 points (third in the NFL), which means Taylor Heinicke could have a long day if the Falcons are banged up in the trenches.
Colts pass-rushers Dayo Odeyingbo, Kwity Paye, and Samson Ebukam, as well as DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, will look to inflict harm on the Falcons. If Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, and Kaleb McGary are limited or unable to play, this Colts defensive front could have another prime opportunity to rack up four, five, or more sacks.
The remaining practices this week will tell a big story about how this game will play out on Christmas Eve. We’ll see who wins in another game with playoff implications for the Colts.
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