The Indianapolis Colts will have defensive end Tyquan Lewis on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lewis was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report. Indianapolis will, however, be without Kwity Paye, putting a heavier workload on rookie Laiatu Latu.
Lewis is tied with Paye for the most quarterback pressures on the team with nine. He also played an important role in the Colts’ success against the run last week in their win over Chicago.
In addition to playing the traditional defensive end role, Lewis also saw some additional snaps inside in that game with DeForest Buckner out.
Holding up against the run this week will be a difficult task against the run-heavy Steelers. Although Pittsburgh isn’t the most efficient rushing offense, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry as a team, they are very committed to their rushing attack, ranking second in rush attempts per game, resulting in them totaling the 12th most rushing yards per contest.
Lewis, and the other defensive ends, will be tasked with setting the edge so the ball carrier can’t get outside and funneling him back towards the middle, where there is hopefully a push from the defensive front.
If the Steelers are able to get things going on the ground, it will allow them to run their offense and control the clock. The Colts have to find a way to limit their success in that regard, which will give them the opportunity to rush the quarterback in some obvious passing situations.