Indianapolis Colts Injuries: Thornton Out, Cherilus Good To Go
September 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Hugh Thornton (69) blocks against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) for Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Chuck Pagano spoke to the media on Monday on several accords but was able to give updates on six Indianapolis Colts injuries. Of the half dozen, included were three players that were inactive for Sunday’s tilt against the Jaguars.
If order of mention by Chuck Pagano:
LB Andy Studebaker: Studebaker is now considered “day-to-day” win a nagging hamstring injury. With a healthy linebacking core, the Colts will not try to bring Studebaker back too quickly.
CB Loucheiz Purifoy: Purifoy will be undergoing tests via the NFL’s concussion protocol after a hit in Sunday’s game. He was held out of the game late with a non-disclosed injury before Pagano revealed his status on Monday morning. Purifoy’s absence was felt on Sunday; as soon as he exited the game, the Colts had two healthy cornerbacks. However, with Greg Toler and Darius Butler likely back in the lineup, Purifoy will also be weaned back into the lineup.
G Hugh Thornton: Perhaps the biggest injury update of the day came from the interior of the offensive line. Hugh Thornton exited Sunday’s game early with an apparent knee injury. MRI’s revealed that Thornton has a bruised MCL and is now considered week-to-week. MCL’s can be tricky injuries and Thornton’s injury may take a bit to heal up. He will likely not play in Sunday’s tilt against the Redskins. The Colts have options on the interior to go to and will likely choose A.Q. Shipley to play in his stead.
CB Greg Toler: Greg Toler should be back this week after clearing the NFL’s protocol for concussions. He was missed on Sunday as he recovered from a concussion against New England. Colts fans have seen a bit too much of Josh Gordy and will love having Toler back defending passes opposite Vontae Davis
T Gosder Cherilus: Cherilus is also expected back after nursing a shoulder injury that’s been nagging him for the last few weeks. Cherilus was given the opportunity to sit against a weak Jacksonville team. However, he was greatly missed as the Jacksonville pass rush ruined the offensive line in the first half. Much of that pressure came from the right side where Joe Reitz struggled against Chris Clemons. Against a Washington pass defense that is certainly better than Jacksonville’s, having Cherilus back should buy Luck a bit more time to make plays.
TE Dwayne Allen: Dwayne Allen is trending in the right direction after his ankle injury against the Patriots. Allen will be tenderly practicing on it this week to try and give it a go. However, it’s quite likely that Allen is a gametime decision. With Coby Fleener’s reemergence in the offense since Allen’s injury, the Colts may not try to put him back into the lineup before he’s ready.