Tag: Quenton Nelson

Notre Dame Football: 6 Former Irish Earn Pro Bowl Selections

Notre Dame has put plenty of talent into the NFL but these six players shined the brightest in 2023.

The 2023 NFL regular season comes to an end this weekend, and, as is tradition, the annual Pro Bowl selections were announced the Wednesday night before the final set of games.

Although the Pro Bowl game no longer actually exists players are still named and will participate in a new weeklong skills competition and flag football contest against one another.

As you would probably expect, Notre Dame is well represented with Pro Bowl selections. Six former Notre Dame student athletes were selected for the Pro Bowl, five of which played football at Notre Dame and one who starred in soccer.

Here are the six former Golden Domers headed to the Pro Bowl this season:

Colts’ Quenton Nelson named AFC Pro Bowl team

Big Q is the lone Colts representative on the AFC Pro Bowl team.

Indianapolis Colts left guard Quenton Nelson was named to the AFC team for the 2024 Pro Bowl games, the league announced Wednesday night.

Nelson is the only Colts player to be represented on the starting squad while four others were named alternates. Those include defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., center Ryan Kelly and linebacker Zaire Franklin.

Nelson certainly deserves the honor of being a Pro Bowler for the sixth time in his career. He’s enjoying a strong bounce-back season both in pass protection and as a run blocker.

 

There certainly can be an argument made that Buckner and Franklin were snubbed. Buckner has been the engine of a Colts defense that set the franchise record for sacks in a season. Despite continuously seeing high rates of double teams, Buckner has produced consistently.

Franklin leads the NFL in tackles (170) and the AFC in solo tackles (104). Both Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (84) and Patrick Queen (78) both have fewer solo tackles but were named starting inside linebackers.

Pittman Jr. is enjoying a career season. Entering the finale, he has 104 receptions for 1,108 yards and four touchdowns. His reception and yardage totals are both career-highs. His receptions are third among AFC wideouts behind only Tyreek Hill (112) and Keenan Allen (108), and his yardage ranks sixth-best among all AFC wideouts.

Kelly is also enjoying a bounce-back season despite missing three games due to concussions. He has been one of the best centers in terms of pass protection this season, and he’s held up very strongly in the run game.

We’ll see if any of these alternates get added to the starting squad between injuries and Super Bowl players not being able to attend.

For now, the Colts will be represented by just one player.

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Colts vs. Texans: Updated injury report for Week 18

Here’s the updated injury reports for the Colts and Texans on Wednesday.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) and Houston Texans (9-7) released their updated injury reports Wednesday ahead of the Week 18 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Colts in Week 18:

Notes

  • The Colts returned to practice Wednesday after starting the week with a walkthrough.
  • C Ryan Kelly continues to miss practice and was seen wearing a walking boot. He still has a chance to play, but it’s something to keep in mind with one practice remaining this week.
  • Encouraging news that CB Kenny Moore II, G Quenton Nelson, RB Zack Moss and RT Braden Smith all practiced in full Wednesday.
  • The Colts will release the final injury report with designations Thursday afternoon.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Texans in Week 18:

Notes

  • All four defensive linemen on the Texans injury report are the team’s sack leaders. They have all yet to practice entering Thursday.
  • Starting LT Laremy Tunsil returned to practice Wednesday.
  • Houston could be without two of its three starting wide receivers with Noah Brown and Robert Woods listed as DNPs entering the final practice day.

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Colts vs. Texans: Initial injury report for Week 18

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts and Texans in Week 18.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) and Houston Texans (9-7) released their initial injury reports Tuesday ahead of the Week 18 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts in Week 18:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Notes

  • The Colts held a walkthrough Tuesday so participation levels are estimations.
  • C Ryan Kelly and G Quenton Nelson emerged with some injuries from Week 17 but were able to finish the game.
  • CB Kenny Moore II was inactive in Week 17 but would have started the week as a limited participant.
  • It seems Braden Smith avoided a setback in his first game returning from a knee injury, but he should still be monitored the rest of the week.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Texans in Week 18:

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3 Colts among top-10 at their position in Pro Bowl voting

A trio of Colts are top-10 at their position in Pro Bowl fan votes.

With fan voting commencing for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the Indianapolis Colts have three players among the top-10 at their respective positions.

Linebacker Zaire Franklin has the third-most votes among inside linebackers behind only Fred Warner and Roquan Smith. He currently ranks second in total tackles (130) and solo tackles (80). Franklin has never been voted to the Pro Bowl.

Left guard Quenton Nelson has enjoyed a bounce-back season and is currently seventh among guards in Pro Bowl voting. He’s back to moving people at will in the run game, and his 16 total pressures allowed ranks 12th among guards with at least 319 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl five times in his first six seasons.

Cornerback Kenny Moore II also is enjoying a bounce-back campaign in Gus Bradley’s system. Even though the NFL still doesn’t have a slot defender position for the Pro Bowl, Moore ranks 10th among cornerbacks in Pro Bowl voting. His 71.6 passer rating allowed in coverage ranks 11th among cornerbacks with at least 275 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His 70.2 passer rating allowed from the slot is the best mark among all slot defenders.

There do appear to be a few snubs from the list. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is once again having a stellar season and continues to be one of the best interior pass rushers in the NFL.

Making a case for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been difficult in the past, but he warrants consideration this season. He ranks fourth in receptions (87) and 14th in receiving yards (889), doing so with a backup quarterback.

The edge rusher group is deep every year, but the Colts have gotten some strong production from Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye while safety Julian Blackmon has the sixth-lowest passer rating allowed in coverage among safeties with at least 262 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Fan voting for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games continues until Monday, Dec. 25. That will account for one-third of the votes with NFL players and coaches casting their votes on Friday, Dec. 29, accounting for the final two-thirds.

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games will begin with a skill competition on Feb. 1, 2024, and conclude on Feb. 4, 2024, with the flag football game.

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Colts vs. Titans: Updated injury report for Week 5

Here is the updated injury report for the Colts and Titans in Week 5.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) and Tennessee Titans (2-2) updated their practice injury reports Thursday ahead of the Week 5 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Colts in Week 5:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/4 Thu. 10/5 Fri. 10/6 Status
TE Mo Alie-Cox Ankle DNP FP
DT DeForest Buckner Back DNP LP
LB Shaquille Leonard Groin DNP DNP
DE Tyquan Lewis Knee DNP LP
G Quenton Nelson Toe DNP FP
DE Kwity Paye Concussion DNP DNP
T Bernhard Raimann Concussion DNP DNP
C Ryan Kelly Concussion FP FP
RB Jonathan Taylor Ankle FP FP

Notes

  • After holding a walkthrough Wednesday, the Colts held a typical practice Thursday
  • Jonathan Taylor seems healthy enough to be activated after logging full practices, but how he responds Friday will be key.
  • Kwity Paye and Bernhard Raimann are still in the concussion protocol and have yet to practice since entering the protocol. Missing the first two days of the week typically means they won’t be available, but there is still a chance they clear protocol in time.
  • Ryan Kelly appears on track to return this week, but he still needs to be cleared by the independent neurologist.
  • DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson are still dealing with their ailments but were able to play in Week 4. They both improved their participation levels from the start of the week.
  • Mo Alie-Cox and Tyquan Lewis both returned to practice after being listed as DNPs on Wednesday.
  • Shaquille Leonard’s status is now in question after missing the first two practices of the week.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Titans in Week 5:

Titans Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/4 Thu. 10/5 Fri. 10/6 Status
WR Treylon Burks Knee DNP DNP
LB Luke Gifford Hamstring DNP DNP
DL Teair Tart Toe DNP DNP
DB Elijah Molden Hamstring LP FP
WR Kyle Philips Knee FP FP
OL Peter Skoronski Abdomen FP FP
TE Josh Whyle Ankle FP FP
DB Elijah Molden Hamstring — FP
RB Derrick Henry Rest — DNP
WR DeAndre Hopkins Rest — LP

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Colts vs. Titans: Initial injury report for Week 5

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts and Titans in Week 5.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) and Tennessee Titans (2-2) released their initial injury reports Wednesday ahead of the Week 5 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium..

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts in Week 5:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/4 Thu. 10/5 Fri. 10/6 Status
TE Mo Alie-Cox Ankle DNP
DT DeForest Buckner Back DNP
LB Shaquille Leonard Groin DNP
DE Tyquan Lewis Knee DNP
G Quenton Nelson Toe DNP
DE Kwity Paye Concussion DNP
T Bernhard Raimann Concussion DNP
C Ryan Kelly Concussion FP
RB Jonathan Taylor Ankle FP

Notes

  • The Colts held a walkthrough Wednesday so participation levels are estimates.
  • The big news. Jonathan Taylor was listed as an estimated full participant so it will bear monitoring whether it will be enough to activate him this week.
  • Kwity Paye and Bernhard Raimann are in the concussion protocol and have yet to practice since entering the protocol. Ryan Kelly appears on track to return this week, but he still needs to be cleared.
  • DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson are still dealing with their ailments but were able to play in Week 4. Buckner was limited to pass-rushing snaps while Nelson played every offensive snap. The latter hasn’t practiced on the first day of the week since Week 2.
  • The new additions to the injury report compared to last week are Mo Alie-Cox, Shaquille Leonard, Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis so their statuses should be monitored.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Titans in Week 5:

Titans Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/4 Thu. 10/5 Fri. 10/6 Status
WR Treylon Burks Knee DNP
LB Luke Gifford Hamstring DNP
DL Teair Tart Toe DNP
DB Elijah Molden Hamstring LP
WR Kyle Philips Knee FP
OL Peter Skoronski Abdomen FP
TE Josh Whyle Ankle FP

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7 questionable, 2 ruled out in Colts vs. Rams

Here are the players with injury designations for the Week 4 matchup.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) and Los Angeles Rams (1-2) are just about set for a Week 4 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

On the final injury report, the Colts ruled out two starters on the offensive line and have three other players listed as questionable for the game. Meanwhile, the Rams didn’t rule out any players but have four listed as questionable.

Here’s a look at the players with injury designations for the Week 4 matchup:

Colts vs. Rams: Updated injury report for Week 4

Here’s an updated look at the injury report for the Colts and Rams in Week 4.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) and Los Angeles Rams (1-2) released their updated injury reports Thursday ahead of the Week 4 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Colts in Week 4:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 9/27 Thu. 9/28 Fri. 9/29 Status
DT DeForest Buckner Groin DNP DNP
G Quenton Nelson Toe DNP DNP
CB Dallis Flowers Back FP FP
C Ryan Kelly Concussion FP FP
QB Anthony Richardson Concussion FP FP
QB Sam Ehlinger Shoulder — LP

Notes

  • DT DeForest Buckner and G Quenton Nelson likely need to practice Friday in order to be able to play in Week 4.
  • CB Dallis Flowers is likely to play after logging two full practices to begin the week.
  • QB Anthony Richardson and C Ryan Kelly still need to be cleared by the independent neurologist in order to be cleared, but it appears they’re both ready to go.
  • QB Sam Ehlinger is a new addition to the injury report with an injury to his throwing shoulder.
  • The final injury reports with designations for the weekend will be released Friday.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Rams in Week 4:

Rams Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 9/27 Thur. 9/28 Fri. 9/29 Status
TE Tyler Higbee Achilles DNP DNP
OL Alaric Jackson Hamstring DNP DNP
WR Ben Skowronek Achilles DNP DNP
WR Puka Nacua Oblique LP FP
OL Joe Noteboom Knee FP FP

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Colts vs. Rams: Initial injury report for Week 4

Here is the initial injury report for the Colts and Rams in Week 4.

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) and Los Angeles Rams (1-2) returned to practice Wednesday and released their initial injury reports ahead of the Week 4 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts in Week 4:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Player Injury Wed. 9/27 Thur. 9/28 Fri. 9/29 Status
DT DeForest Buckner Groin DNP
G Quenton Nelson Toe DNP
CB Dallis Flowers Back FP
C Ryan Kelly Concussion FP
QB Anthony Richardson Concussion FP

Notes

  • DT DeForest Buckner is a new addition to the injury report compared to previous weeks so he apparently is dealing with a new injury.
  • G Quenton Nelson hasn’t practiced Wednesday or Thursday in each of the last two weeks but has still played 100% of the snaps in the games to follow.
  • CB Dallis Flowers was questionable in Week 4 as a late addition to the injury report, but that was due to an ankle injury. This back injury appears to be a new injury.
  • QB Anthony Richardson and C Ryan Kelly are both still in the concussion protocol but seem likely to play in Week 4, barring setbacks.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Rams in Week 4:

Player Injury Wed. 9/27 Thur. 9/28 Fri. 9/29 Status
TE Tyler Higbee Achilles DNP
OL Alaric Jackson Hamstring DNP
WR Ben Skowronek Achilles DNP
WR Puka Nacua Oblique LP
OL Joe Noteboom Knee FP

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