2 min read • January 05, 2021
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Running Backs - The Colts lost their presumed lead back in Week 1 as Marlon Mack suffered a torn Achilles and has been out for the season. They’ve had a number of backs find success since, most notably Jonathan Taylor and Nyhiem Hines, though Taylor missed a week due to COVID.
Tight Ends - The Colts’ tight ends have had a bumpy ride this season, with Trey Burton (calf), Jack Doyle (knee/concussion) and Mo-Alie Cox (knee) all missing time during the year. However, they all appear good to go for the playoffs, though Doyle is dealing with an injured quad.
Wide Receivers - Indianapolis has had key injuries to their wideouts in 2020. Parris Campbell suffered a multiligament knee injury in Week 2 and is out for the season. T.Y. Hilton missed Week 9 with a groin injury, and Michael Pittman dealt with a scary compartment syndrome episode in his leg but has since returned. Pittman suffered a concussion in Week 16 but this is not a significant concern heading into the playoffs.
Offensive Lineman - Anthony Castonzo has undergone season-ending ankle surgery, and the Colts are left scrambling to find a blindside protector for Phillip Rivers. His primary backup in Le’Raven Clark is done for the year with an achilles injury, while depth tackle Will Holden is out with an ankle injury. Luckily Braden Smith is back from COVID at right tackle, and it looks like it’ll be up to veteran Journeyman Chaz Green to hold it down, though he has been dealing with a back injury all year.
Linebackers - Darius Leonard is a rising star on the Colts’ defense, but he did miss Weeks 5 and 6 with a groin issue. This is not a concern moving into the playoffs, he has been a big contributor ever since, and should be a full go.
Defensive Lineman - DeForest Buckner missed a game due to COVID, and has pushed through an ankle injury to end the regular season. However, he has been very effective as an interior pass rusher and looks good to go for the playoffs.
Cornerbacks - Rock Ya-Sin is emerging as the #2 corner in this secondary across from Xavier Rhodes, but he is out with a concussion, and his status moving forward is in question. Hopefully he can clear protocol in time to help the Colts contend in the QB-Heavy AFC bracket.
Safeties - Malik Hooker was set to be a big part of this defense in 2020, but a Week 2 Achilles tear derailed all that. He has been on IR since and will not be available until 2021. Khari Willis had been helping out at safety but was pushed out of Week 16 with a concussion and missed Week 17 to boot. Though they have Tavon Wilson and Julian Blackmon on the field, safety depth is a concern moving forward.
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