Greg Toler, Vick Ballard ruled out for Sunday's game versus Bills; Robert Mathis questionable

The Indianapolis Colts will open the 2015 regular season on Sunday as they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills.  For the most part, the Colts are pretty healthy, but there are a few injuries of note.  Head coach Chuck Pagano today ruled both cornerback Greg Toler (neck) and running back Vick Ballard (hamstring) out for Sunday's game.  Outside linebacker Robert Mathis (Achilles) and cornerback D'Joun Smith (knee) are both questionable, while everyone else is probable (that includes Nate Irving, Bjoern Werner, Sheldon Price, and D'Qwell Jackson).

It's no surprise whatsoever to see Toler and Ballard both ruled out, as that was the guess all week.  Neither of them practiced this week, with Pagano earlier saying that Toler is still week to week while Ballard is still day to day.  We don't know for sure when either of them will be back, but it has been clear all week that the two were very unlikely to go.  With Toler out, it is expected that Vontae Davis and Darius Butler will start at cornerback for the Colts.  The third corner spot is up for grabs, as D'Joun Smith (if he plays), Jalil Brown, and Sheldon Price have been competing and we'll have to see what the Colts decide to do.  It's also entirely possible that, when the Colts utilize three corners, Butler will move to his usual role in the slot with one of those others playing outside.  Again, we'll have to see on Sunday.  As for running back, it's likely that Josh Robinson will be the number two back behind Frank Gore.

As for Robert Mathis, he is officially questionable and Chuck Pagano said that he will be a game time decision.  If I had to guess, I'd say that Mathis will play but in a limited role on a strict snap count, likely as a situational pass rusher only.