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Colts Cornerback Vontae Davis cleared to play v. Titans

By Scott Stewart

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Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis has passed the concussion protocol and is set to feature against the Tennessee Titans.

Earlier this week, Vontae Davis moved from a non-contact practice jersey and into a normal color jersey, signifying his near full return to the Colts defense that so desperately need help in the secondary.

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The offense has been a major issue for Indianapolis, but the other side of the ball hasn’t exactly been a huge help either. In the early stages against the Jets, Davis matched up against Eric Decker with Indianapolis already missing Eric Toler and Darius Butler, and Decker got the better of the meet.

Then, in the second quarter Davis took a big hit and stayed down on the ground. He would go straight to the locker room and not return, diagnosed with a concussion.

For a reminder, the NFL’s rules for return in the concussion protocol are as follows:
-Player returns to “baseline” status and undergoes neurological exam
-“A graduated exercise challenge” is followed by a slow return to practice
-Prior to full return, the player must be examined by someone outside the organization, specifically by an “Independent Neurological Consultant”
-A player can only be considered for full return if the above process is followed

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) heads to the locker room after being hurt in a game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

After a relatively short recovery period, the Colts’ best defensive player is back on the field and should be fit to face the Tennessee Titans as Indianapolis tries to avoid a 0-3 start for the first time since 2011 without Luck (or Manning).

As for the rest of the secondary, however, Butler was still listed as DNP and Toler was limited in practice, making it increasingly likely that Davis will be the only true starter back in the fold facing Marcus Mariota and the Titans.

In Week 1, Mariota threw for 209 yards on 13-16 passing with 4 TDs in a 42-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and in Week 2 connected on 21 of 37 passes, totaling 257 yards and 2 TDs.

Though Mariota has yet to throw an interception, he fumbled three times against the Browns, two of which they lost possession on. The Colts pass rush will have a chance to put more pressure on the Oregon alum this weekend, but the secondary will remain a major factor.

Next: Colts vs Jets: MNF Aftermath, Grades and Review

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