As the Colts prepare for a crucial matchup, several key players will be sidelined against the Broncos.
Wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is active for Sunday’s game.
Colts’ Week 15 Inactives: Key Players Out for Denver Showdown
As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for a critical Week 15 clash with the Denver Broncos, the team has announced that five players will be inactive for the game. With playoff aspirations on the line, the absence of these key contributors could have a significant impact on the Colts’ chances against the Broncos.
The Inactive List
The Colts’ Week 15 inactives include a mix of key starters and depth players, as head coach Shane Steichen prepares his squad for the high-stakes showdown.
- RB Jonathan Taylor – Taylor, the Colts’ star running back, remains sidelined due to a lingering ankle injury. His absence will be felt in both the run game and the passing game. The Colts will rely on Zack Moss to carry the load.
- CB Kenny Moore II – One of the team’s top cornerbacks, Moore’s absence is a blow to the secondary, especially against a Broncos offense looking to exploit passing lanes.
- OL Quenton Nelson – A mainstay on the Colts’ offensive line, Nelson’s injury will hurt their run-blocking ability and pass protection, forcing backup linemen into action.
- DL DeForest Buckner – Buckner is one of the top defensive linemen for the Colts and his absence leaves a void in the interior defensive line, impacting both run defense and pass rush.
- WR Alec Pierce – Pierce has been a solid contributor this season, and with his absence, Indianapolis will lean more heavily on Michael Pittman Jr. and the rest of the receiving corps.
Impact on the Game
The Colts’ offense will be under pressure without Taylor and Nelson, as the Broncos have a strong defense capable of capitalizing on offensive line issues. With Taylor out, Moss will get the start at running back, but he’ll face a tough Broncos front seven led by pass rusher Randy Gregory.
Defensively, the loss of Moore and Buckner could create vulnerabilities in both pass coverage and the defensive front. The Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson will likely look to exploit the secondary, while Denver’s run game will have an easier path without Buckner clogging the middle.
Burrow-Chase Continues to Make History
As the Colts and Broncos take the field, one of the most exciting storylines this week continues to be Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who are on the verge of breaking the Bengals’ franchise record for QB-WR touchdown combinations. Burrow and Chase have already developed one of the most dynamic duos in the NFL, and they will continue their pursuit of history as they look to surpass Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson’s touchdown combo record in the Bengals’ upcoming game.
Quick Hits from Week 15
- Jonathan Taylor’s injury leaves the Colts with a significant gap in their backfield.
- Kenny Moore II’s absence means more responsibility for the Colts’ other cornerbacks.
- Zack Moss will get the bulk of the carries with Taylor out, looking to spark the Colts’ run game.
- DeForest Buckner’s void in the middle of the defensive line could allow the Broncos’ running backs to gain more ground.
- Michael Pittman Jr. will need to step up as the primary receiver in the absence of Alec Pierce.
With key players sidelined for both teams, Week 15 is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle between the Colts and the Broncos. Indianapolis’ playoff hopes are on the line, and despite the injury setbacks, the team will need to rally together to compete against a tough Denver squad.
As the Colts look to overcome these absences, eyes will also be on Burrow and Chase as they continue their quest for NFL history—reminding us that even in the face of adversity, remarkable feats continue to unfold.
