Indianapolis Colts’ defensive end Tyquan Lewis is now listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Denver with a rib injury.
Lewis was not on the team’s injury report throughout the week but was added on Saturday. Along with Lewis being downgraded to questionable, the Colts also announced that Ryan Kelly and Jaylon Carlies were downgraded to out as well.
Lewis returned for the Colts’ Week 12 matchup against Detroit after landing on injured reserve following the team’s Week 4 matchup versus Pittsburgh with an elbow injury that did require surgery.
During the Colts’ first four games of the season, Lewis was one of the starting defensive ends, lining up opposite of Kwity Paye. But since returning, he’s averaged 24 snaps these last two games as the fourth member of the defensive end rotation, playing behind Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Laiatu Latu.
Time will tell if this is what Lewis’ playing time will look like moving forward or if the Colts are just easing him back in.
Lewis has totaled 13 pressures this season, 12 of which came in the first four games, and has been a valuable contributor against the run. Out of all defensive ends this season, Lewis ranks fifth in PFF’s run-stop rate metric.
Awaiting the Colts is Broncos offense that, statistically speaking, has had modest run production, averaging 4.2 yards per rush. However, the offensive line has been one of the best in pass protection this season.
If Lewis can’t go, Isaiah Land, who has often been inactive on gamedays, will be available and a part of the defensive end rotation.