The next few weeks will be crucial for the Indianapolis Colts.
After starting the season with a 7-1 record, the team has taken a left turn and has lost four of its last five. Indy was atop the conference earlier in the season and looked like they were going to secure a spot in the playoffs, which would have been the first time since the 2020 season, but they are now in the hunt to make the wildcard.
Injuries along the way have deterred the Colts’ season, including losing Daniel Jones for the remainder of the season due to a torn right Achilles tendon.
Indianapolis has to win out the rest of the season to make the playoffs, but also to win the AFC South, which looked secure at one point in the season. The final four opponents for the Colts all have a winning record, with the team struggling to win against teams over 0.500. Indy has won two games against teams with a positive record this season.
Shane Steichen Announces Outs For Week 15
GettyThe Colts will be without some of the best players in Week 15
The first of the final four opponents for the Indianapolis Colts is the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks.
The NFC West team is coming in with a three-game winning streak and will be a major test for Indianapolis. Seattle is currently tied with the Los Angeles Rams for the best record in the NFC and will want to secure the first-round bye.
Indy is already at a disadvantage with Daniel Jones sidelined for the rest of the season and having a formerly retired 44-year-old behind the center. Head coach Shane Steichen announced three key players will be out against the Seahawks.
Steichen mentioned that cornerback Sauce Gardner, offensive lineman Braden Smith and kick/punter returner Anthony Gould will be out for the game against Seattle — none of the trio practiced ahead of the game.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will also be out of the game despite having his 21-day activation period from injured reserve after dealing with a neck injury. The head coach mentioned that the player was practicing well, which could imply he would be good to go for Week 16.
Major Question On Offense
GettyColts QB Riley Leonard
The big question regarding the Indianapolis Colts ahead of their matchup is who will be the starting quarterback.
Riley Leonard, who filled in for Daniel Jones in Week 14, is also dealing with his own injury that could prevent him from playing against the Seattle Seahawks. Philip Rivers, who was retired and is not in playing shape, still has to get back into the swing of things before getting the go-ahead to start for Indianapolis.
A reporter asked Shane Steichen on Friday if the team has decided on who will be behind the center on Sunday and specifically asked if it would be Rivers.
“We’re going to work through that right now,” the head coach responded. “[Philip] had a good week of work.”
Steichen mentioned the team will decide on the QB and if Rivers would be elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
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