The Indianapolis Colts will be without at least two key defenders in their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the availability of two of their starting offensive linemen in question as well.
The final practice report for #PITvsIND: pic.twitter.com/iUVsUBHS8R
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 27, 2024
Both Kenny Moore and Kwity Paye exited Sunday’s win against Chicago with injuries. For Moore, it was a hip injury and for Paye a quad injury. Neither player practiced during the week.
Without Moore, the depth of an already thin cornerback room will be put to the test, while without Paye, an increased for Laiatu Latu will be required this Sunday.
Potentially making things even more challenging than they already are at defensive end is that Tyquan Lewis is also questionable after missing practice on Thursday and Friday.
Lewis and Paye are tied for the team lead in pressures, and both played pivotal roles in slowing the Bears run game. This week, the Colts’ defense will be tasked with replicating that performance against a run-heavy Pittsburgh offense.
Along the offensive line, both Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly are questionable. Smith, who is listed as having a knee injury, did not practice on Wednesday, was a full participant Thursday, and then out again Friday.
Kelly was a full-go on Wednesday and not listed on the injury report, but had the neck injury pop up midweek, forcing him to miss the last two days.
The Colts blueprint for success on offense should have been established last week with a run-centric game-plan around Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson. However, finding that kind of success this week won’t be easy against a stingy Steelers front that features TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward.
Lastly, Chris Lammons is questionable, but was a full-participant Friday after not practicing the first two days. Without Moore, if Lammons can play, he may get the start at the nickel.