Colts Thursday Injury Report: Two defensive starters miss for second straight day

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The Colts returned to the practice field once again on Thursday as we get closer to their game this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, but despite returning from a bye week there are a few key injuries to pay attention to.  In addition to quarterback Andrew Luck, who obviously isn't practicing, two defensive starters also missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day in D'Qwell Jackson and Mike Adams.

Here's the full injury report for the Colts from Thursday's practice, followed by some comments:

Did Not Practice:

Mike Adams, S (ankle)

Phillip Dorsett, WR (ankle)

D'Qwell Jackson, ILB (hamstring)

Andrew Luck, QB (abdomen/kidney)

Limited Practice:

Nate Irving, ILB (knee)

Full Practice:

Andre Johnson, WR (rest Wednesday)

Robert Mathis, OLB (rest Wednesday)

Obviously, the injuries that are most notable are the ones to inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and safety Mike Adams.  Jackson was injured on Monday during the team's practice session, while Adams was injured in the Colts' win over the Broncos two weeks ago.  Keep in mind that the team will already be without starting defensive end Henry Anderson, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.  So if neither Jackson nor Adams can play on Sunday, that would leave the team essentially down three defensive starters.

The injury to Adams initially seemed more serious than it was, but obviously Adams isn't back yet and ready to play.  We don't know how long he will be out, but after missing two days of practice this week, there are questions about his status for this Sunday's game.  If the Colts are missing Adams, they will be without the NFL's interceptions leader (he's tied with Charles Woodson).  Colt Anderson would likely be the next one to step in if Adams is out.

Head coach Chuck Pagano said yesterday that he expected D'Qwell Jackson back on the field on Thursday, but he was once again a spectator at today's practice and that too raises questions about his status for Sunday's game.  Jackson leads the NFL in tackles, and the inside linebacker position would be even more uncertain if Nate Irving can't go.  He has been limited the past two days and would make the most sense to fill in, but he's not completely healthy either.  That would leave just Josh McNary and Sio Moore to fill in alongside Jerrell Freeman.