The Indianapolis Colts will see the return of a major piece to the defensive line as Grover Stewart is set to be activated this week following a six-game suspension.
Stewart, who was suspended for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, was enjoying a spectacular season before his positive test was revealed.
The absence has been notable, and he told the media this week it was difficult to watch the team play without him.
“These last six weeks have been hard for me sitting at home and watching the guys go out there each and every week, fight and do their job,” Stewart said Wednesday. “It was hard just watching them knowing I couldn’t be out there helping them.”
During the first weeks of the season, the Colts allowed 113.5 rushing yards per game. In the next six weeks during Stewart’s suspension, they allowed 153 rushing yards per game and at least 125 in every game during that stretch.
It’s a timely return for Stewart as the Colts are looking to make a playoff push with five games remaining on the regular-season schedule.
Another person excited for his return is head coach Shane Steichen.
“It’s huge. Any time you get a big-time player like that back in the fold, it’s huge. So, we’re excited to have him back. I know he’s going to be a big help for us this week,” Steichen said.
The Colts are set to visit the Cincinnati Bengals this week in what is a crucial matchup with heavy playoff implications. Joe Mixon has been having a decent season, taking 189 carries for 689 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, even if he’s a bit inefficient at 3.8 yards per carry.
Forcing the Bengals to be one-dimensional will be vital considering the fact that they’ll have to face Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and Stewart’s return should help in that area.
It has been a long six weeks without Big Grove manning the middle of the defensive line, but he is sure to have an immediate impact upon his return.
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