The Indianapolis Colts were still without three key defensive starters during Friday’s final practice before their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
No sight of #Colts CB Kenny Moore II (hip), DE Kwity Paye (quad) and DE Tyquan Lewis (calf/wrist) at practice.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 27, 2024
According to The Athletic’s James Boyd, defensive end Tyquan Lewis, cornerback Kenny Moore, and defensive end Kwity Paye were not practicing.
Neither Paye (quad) nor Moore (hip) have practiced at all this week. Both players exited this past Sunday’s game late with injuries. On Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen said the team would see how each player progressed throughout the week.
Lewis, meanwhile, was listed on the Wednesday injury report with calf/wrist injuries, but was a full participant that day. He did not, however, practice Thursday or Friday.
The Colts final injury report for the week will be released Friday afternoon with any injury designations.
Also noteworthy, neither Ryan Kelly nor Braden Smith were practicing on Friday either.
After a good defensive performance against the Bears, that began with the Colts’ stout play against the run, they face a run-heavy Steelers offense this Sunday.
Replicating last week’s success will already be a challenge, but obviously that task becomes even greater if they’re dealing with injuries up front. Paye and Lewis lead the team in quarterback pressures and were instrumental in the Colts success against the run last week by setting strong edges.
In the slot for the Steelers, where Moore primarily lines up, Calvin Austin is second on the team in receiving yards, but George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth see time there as well.