The Indianapolis Colts have had a number of key injuries to monitor this week leading up to their Sunday game against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The final injury report hasn’t been released yet, but head coach Shane Steichen ruled out a couple notable starters, per Sports Illustrated Colts reporter Jake Arthur on X.
DE Kwity Paye (quad) and CB Kenny Moore II (hip) have both been ruled out. These are significant injuries for the Colts against the Steelers. Paye is probably the bigger deal of the two, especially since DT DeForest Buckner landed on IR recently. In addition to Paye and Buckner, Tyquan Lewis failed to practice on Thursday and could be another issue for their d-line.
Paye had four total tackles, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits last season against the Steelers, and Buckner had four total tackles, a half sack, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits.
With Paye ruled out, rookie Laiatu Latu will likely be starting in his place. If Lewis can’t play, things could get interesting with multiple inexperienced players starting along the line. The Colts normally do a nice job rotating bodies along the d-line but might be forced to stick with more of a static lineup this week.
Their defensive line did a nice job against the Steelers in last year’s blowout win, but they will be at way less than full strength this week. That is good news for a Steelers offense that has been possessing the ball and wearing opponents down late in games with a steady dose of running the football.
Moore is a significant blow to the defense, too. The former Pro Bowl cornerback is one of their top defensive backs with a very impressive 76.5 Pro Football Focus grade this season, including an 83.3 in coverage. He has mostly been operating out of the slot, and the Steelers found some success in that area of the field last week with TE Pat Freiermuth and WR Calvin Austin III.
The Colts also have concerns with slot corner Chris Lammons, who is listed as the backup. He is dealing with ankle and knee injuries. If neither are able to go, the Colts may have to get their depth safeties involved in the slot or elevate a guy from the practice squad like Jaylin Simpson or David Long.
