The Indianapolis Colts have a big game ahead against the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, the 8-6 Indianapolis Colts and the 6-8 Atlanta Falcons will play at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
The Colts recently ended a 15-year, eight-game losing run to Mike Tomlin with a decisive 30-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) and RB Zack Moss (arm) both left the game and did not return, which meant that the Colts suffered two significant setbacks.
Following his thumb surgery on Wednesday, running back Jonathan Taylor is listed as a “full participant” and there are encouraging signs of a Pittman comeback.
The Colts and Falcons’ Wednesday injury reports are included below.
Colts on Wednesday
● Did Not Take Part – C K Matt Gay (right hip), RB Zack Moss (forearm), LB Segun Olubi (hip), T Braden Smith (knee), and Jack Anderson (sickness)
DT Eric Johnson II (ankle) and WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) are the only limited participants.
●Complete Participant: RB Jonathan Taylor (upper thumb)
Gay had a poor performance against the Cincinnati Bengals and then went an unusual 3-of-5 on field goal attempts against the Steelers. This could be the reason for his kicking problems; he’ll attempt to return to his roots and make reliable field goals. This year, Indianapolis has depended on Gay to win games; therefore, his absence could be expensive.
Moss, who returned from a fractured forearm in the off-season, will try to support Shane Steichen’s ground attack against a defence that the Falcons are weak in.
Last but not least, Smith was missed in the game against Pittsburgh when T.J. Watt terrorised rookie swing tackle Blake Freeland and picked up two sacks.
Regarding Pittman and Johnson, the fact that both appear to be headed back is encouraging. Pittman is almost the whole receiving threat for the Colts, while Johnson provides good depth for the defensive interior.
Pittman should put in a lot of effort to get back, even though Moss might still miss time. This is particularly relevant in light of Taylor, a fellow bell-cow, revealing that he has completed a practice.
The best chance for Indianapolis’ offence to win the remaining three games and challenge for the AFC South divisional crown will come if Taylor is able to return.
Falcons on Wednesday
● Absent from the Activity – DE RB/WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson (rest), DT Calais Campbell T Kaleb McGary (knee), and David Onyemata (ankle)
G is a limited participant. LT Jake Matthews (knee), OL Drew Dalman (ankle), and Chris Lindstrom (ankle)
● Complete Representative: FB Keith Smith (ankle), LB Bud Dupree in back
The Falcons are currently trying to hang onto their season in an effort to return to playing better football.
The names of Campbell and Onyemata missing practice could cause immediate problems when they play against a formidable Colts offensive line. Indianapolis’ running game may have a lot of work on Sunday if neither of these two plays materialises.
The Falcons have had trouble scoring on the other side of the ball. Arthur Smith, the head coach, is probably pleased to see several offensive linemen headed for a possible comeback.
With Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, the Falcons have a strong running game, but they have only averaged roughly 200 passing yards per game and have given up 36 sacks, which is the ninth-highest number in the NFL. With Indianapolis now ranking third in the NFL with 46 points, Taylor Heinicke may have a difficult day if the Falcons are hurt in the trenches.
Colts pass-rushers Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo will try to hurt Atlanta. Should Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, and Kaleb McGary be sidelined or unable to play, this Colts defensive front may have another excellent opportunity to force four, five, or more sacks.
The practices for the remainder of this week will reveal a lot about how this game will unfold on Christmas Eve. We’ll find out who wins another Colts game that could lead to the playoffs.
