The Seattle Seahawks just caught a meaningful break ahead of Sunday’s Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field, with the Indianapolis Colts officially ruling out three players — and keeping a key defensive star on injured reserve.
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said right tackle Braden Smith, cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver/returner Anthony Gould will not play against Seattle, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will not be activated from IR this week.
Colts Rule Out 3 — and DeForest Buckner Won’t Be Activated
The official rulings matter for Seattle because they hit the Colts in three different areas: pass protection, coverage and special teams.
Smith is out with a concussion/neck issue, and Colts.com noted rookie Jalen Travis is expected to make his first NFL start at right tackle. That’s a significant switch on the edge against a Seattle front that’s been hunting quarterbacks lately.
Gardner is out with a calf injury, and the Colts are already dealing with secondary attrition, including Charvarius Ward Sr. landing on injured reserve, per the team site.
And Gould’s absence isn’t just about receiver depth: the Colts say he’s their main punt returner, and with Ashton Dulin on IR, they’re down both primary kick returners.
What It Means for Seattle: Turn Up the Pressure Early
From a Seahawks perspective, the Smith news jumps off the page first.
If Indianapolis is starting a rookie at right tackle, Seattle can lean into pressure packages and force the Colts offense, and whoever they decide to start at quarterback, to speed up its clock — especially on obvious passing downs. It’s the kind of matchup that can flip a game early if the Seahawks win the edge consistently.
Buckner not being activated also matters in a more subtle way. Even if you don’t want to call any game “won in the trenches” in advance, the Colts not having their interior difference-maker available changes the math for Seattle’s run game and short-yardage plans.
What It Means for Seattle’s Passing Game: A Chance to Attack the Secondary
Gardner being ruled out gives Seattle’s passing game an obvious target: find the matchups in the Colts’ reshuffled coverage plan and make them tackle in space.
With a starter missing on the perimeter (and Indianapolis already moving pieces around), this sets up as a week where Seattle can stress the defense horizontally — quick throws, crossers, and routes that force communication in the back end.
It also makes Seattle’s play-action shots more interesting, because the Colts may have to be more conservative with help over the top — which can open up one-on-ones outside.
Special Teams Angle: Field Position Could Swing
Gould being out is sneaky-big for Seattle because return roles impact hidden yards.
The Colts have already used Josh Downs on punts when Gould was sidelined earlier this season, according to the team site — so Seattle can treat this as a “win field position” week and make Indianapolis drive longer fields.
Seahawks vs. Colts: When They Play
The Seahawks host the Colts on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Lumen Field.
ESPN listed Seattle at 10-3 and Indianapolis at 8-5 entering the matchup.
Quick recap (Colts):
- OUT: Braden Smith, Sauce Gardner, Anthony Gould
- Not activated: DeForest Buckner
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