With NFL teams only able to have 48 players active on game-days, the Indianapolis Colts announced that seven players will be inactive for their Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
WR Josh Downs
QB Sam Ehlinger
S Julian Blackmon
OL Tanor Bortolini
OL Blake Freeland
TE Will Mallory
DE Genard Avery
Downs did return to practice this past week and was a full participant on Friday. Ian Rapoport reported early on Sunday morning that Downs was “50-50” in regards to whether or not he would be able to suit up. In what is a long NFL season, the Colts opted to give him some additional time to make sure he is absolutely ready.
Last week without Downs, the Colts used a handful of different players to fill in for him in the slot. The Colts will need to find more consistency in the short to intermediate passing game–a task that is more difficult without Downs in the mix.
It was expected that Blackmon was going to be inactive after he was ruled out on Friday. Avery was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday as additional defensive end depth in case Kwity Paye–who was questionable–couldn’t go, but Paye is active.
As was the case in Week 1, Blake Freeland, Tanor Bortolini, Will Mallory and Sam Ehlinger are all inactive. This might end up being the norm this season for these players.
Ehlinger will be inactive all season long but with the emergency quarterback rule can step in if needed. Freeland struggled during the preseason and rookie Matt Goncalves won the swing tackle competition.
Mallory is the clear fourth tight end option, while Bortolini is still making the jump at a position that comes with a steep learning curve. The Colts are opting to have the veteran Danny Pinter be Ryan Kelly’s backup.