Taylor Bicht
2 min read • October 05, 2022
Posted in
This weeks version of Thursday Night Football will be highlighted by star running back and linebacker injuries that will hamper both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos in the early week showdown.
The Colts left Sundays loss to the Titans with a big hole at running back as star Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle sprain and a mild turf toe injury. Due to the short turnaround, Taylor will miss the Thursday contest but has a strong chance to return Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This spells trouble for a the Colts offense who rely on the stud for 20 carries a game and have no one who replicates his play style at RB. Nyheim Hines is exceptional in the pass game but is not a pure in between the tackles runner meaning HC Frank Reich will need to mold a specific game-plan for Matt Ryan and Co.
Do-it-all LB Shaq Leonard will miss the contest due to a concussion and broken nose suffered in his first game back this season after missing the first three weeks due to recovery from back surgery. The Colts may be able to play without as they have to start the year but is a big loss to the defense nonetheless.
Wideout Michael Pittman is another week healthier from his quad injury and will be relied on as the offense with Taylor missing out.
The Broncos will be without their star running back for much longer with the announcement that Javonte Williams suffered an ACL/LCL tear meaning he will miss the rest of the season. Denver will begrudging start Melvin Gordon who will need to fix his fumbling issues or Mike Boone may get more play in the backfield.
Gordon has been limited in practice this week with a neck issue, but should have no limitations in the game.
Right tackle Billy Turner is playing, but has been limited during his continuing ACL recovery. Right guard Quinn Meinerz has missed multiple weeks with a hamstring strain and will miss Thursday's contest as well.
Denver is also down key edge rusher Randy Gregory, who suffered a right knee injury in Week 4 that landed him on IR. Baron Browning will likely fill in on the weak side with Gregory out.
Starting free safety Justin Simmons remains on IR with a torn quad and backup Cade Sterns has been limited with hip and chest injuries.
The Broncos are favored by 3.5 points at home and the over/under 42.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
