Dwayne Allen, Gosder Cherilus, Greg Toler Out For Colts
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) stiff arms Houston Texans linebacker Justin Tuggle (57) after a reception in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts will have a slew of playmakers out against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday after an injury-riddled week.
It’s no surprise that the Colts are taking it a bit easier this week, sitting tight end Dwayne Allen, tackle Gosder Cherilus and cornerback Greg Toler in Sunday’s tilt against Jacksonville. The Colts need to get healthy and a game against Jacksonville is the perfect opportunity to do that.
Dwayne Allen suffered an ankle sprain against the Patriots and had to sit for most of the game after its occurrence. In his stead, Coby Fleener had one of the best days of his career, logging 144 yards on his seven receptions. Out of the injuries, Allen’s should be the least threatening this week due to the depth behind him. Coby Fleener is no stranger to leading an offense at the tight end position, having to do it much of last year. Allen’s blocking presence will be missed though, so reserve Jack Doyle will get his chance to make a few plays in the run-blocking scheme while also grabbing more looks at H-Back. Weslye Saunders was resigned to the team earlier this week in order to provide adequate depth behind Fleener and Doyle.
Gosder Cherilus’ shoulder injury is a tad more serious of a loss than Allen’s. While Cherilus hasn’t had the best year, there’s no clear-cut player on the Colts roster to come in and replace Cherilus easily. Xavier Nixon is the current favorite for the spot while Joe Reitz also has experience at the tackle spot in his career. Nixon should get the start. Considering Jacksonville doesn’t boast a fantastic pass rush, it’s probably a smart plan to give Cherilus the week to recuperate. He’s not needed that much in the offense. However, the team has not played without Gosder Cherilus since Luck’s rookie year. It’ll be a different look, that’s for sure.
Greg Toler has been going through the NFL’s concussion protocol all week and looks to not have the go for Sunday’s game. While he hasn’t had a wonderful season across from Vontae Davis, he will be missed in the secondary. Likely, Darius Butler will make the transition from slot corner to compliment Vontae Davis while Josh Gordy will take most of the nickel duties. Gordy has been bad this season, so his first full game at corner for the Colts should be interesting to watch. Again, it’s against a strictly mediocre Jacksonville team, so fans shouldn’t be too worried.