The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for what could be the most critical game of their season as they return from their bye week in Week 15. With a matchup against the Denver Broncos on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Colts are looking to solidify their playoff aspirations, and how they perform in this game could define their season.
Injury Report Insights
As the Colts prepare for this pivotal clash, the injury report offers a glimmer of hope. The week off seems to have worked in their favor, as only two players were listed as “Did Not Practice” when the team returned to the field on Wednesday. This is a positive sign for a team that has faced its fair share of injury challenges throughout the season.
Key Players on the Mend
Among the most significant names on the injury report are wide receivers Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. Both players were nursing injuries leading into the bye week, raising concerns about their availability for the game against the Broncos.
Downs, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, managed to finish that game but was sidelined for the Week 13 victory over the New York Jets. However, there’s good news: he started the week as a limited participant in practice, suggesting he may be on track to return to the field.
On the other hand, Michael Pittman Jr. has been battling a series of injuries this season. Listed with a back injury on Wednesday’s practice report, the $70 million wide receiver has shown resilience, playing through pain for much of the second half of the season. Fortunately, the bye week appears to have rejuvenated him, as he was listed as a full participant in practice.
Additional Injury Updates
The Colts’ injury woes don’t stop at their wide receivers. Center Ryan Kelly, who has been out since being placed on the Reserve/Injured list, made a return to practice for the first time this week. He was listed as limited, which is encouraging for the Colts’ offensive line.
Rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies, also on the reserve list since Week 8 due to shoulder and fibula issues, returned as a limited participant as well. This adds depth to the defense as they prepare to face a formidable Broncos offense.
However, not all news is positive. Starting right tackle Braden Smith is still away from the team due to personal reasons, and wide receiver Ashton Dulin did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The absence of these players could impact the Colts’ game plan against Denver.
Colts Injury Report Week 15
Here’s a detailed look at the Colts’ injury report as of Wednesday, December 11:
| Player | Injury | Status |
| WR Ashton Dulin | Ankle | DNP |
| T Braden Smith | Personal | DNP |
| WR Josh Downs | Shoulder | LP |
| C Ryan Kelly | Knee | LP |
| C Tanor Bortolini | Concussion | FP |
| DT DeForest Buckner | Back | FP |
| LB Jaylon Carlies | Fibula, Shoulder | FP |
| WR Michael Pittman Jr. | Back | FP |
Looking Ahead to the Broncos
As the Colts prepare to face the Broncos, the focus will be on how these injury updates play a crucial role in their game strategy. Will Josh Downs return to provide a spark to the offense? Can Michael Pittman Jr. continue to play at a high level despite his injuries? These questions loom large as the Colts aim to secure a vital win.
The Colts have shown resilience this season, but they will need all hands on deck to overcome the challenges posed by the Broncos. With the playoffs in sight, every game counts, and this Week 15 matchup will be no exception.
As fans gear up for the game, the excitement is palpable. Will the Colts rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory? The answer lies just around the corner, and one thing is for sure: the intensity of NFL football is at its peak, and the Colts are ready to make their mark.
