Colts inactives vs. Broncos: Several defensive starters out, but Clayton Geathers returns

The Indianapolis Colts will face the Denver Broncos this afternoon, but they won’t be at full strength while they face the defending Super Bowl champions on the road. The Colts will be without several defensive starters this afternoon due to injuries.

Here’s the full list of inactives for the Colts:

Vontae Davis, CB (ankle)

Patrick Robinson, CB (concussion)

T.J. Green, S (knee)

Trent Cole, OLB (back)

Le’Raven Clark, OL

Austin Blythe, C

Henry Anderson, DL (knee)

We knew five of the seven inactives in advance due to injury situations, but that doesn’t really make the situation any better. They’ll be without their top two cornerbacks, their second-best pass rusher (which isn’t really saying a lot), one of their top two defensive linemen, and one of their top three safeties.

Clayton Geathers, however, isn’t inactive for the Colts today, which will mark his first game of the season. He was placed on the non-football injury list to begin training camp and didn’t return to practice until this week, but he’s now active for today’s game and will start. The main question as it pertains to Geathers will be about his conditioning: how much is he ready to play after missing so much time, especially in the Denver altitude? That will be the most interesting thing to pay attention to. As for another note about the secondary, Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen mentioned that Rashaan Melvin is the one getting the nod to start at cornerback opposite of Antonio Cromartie. This is worth noting because it normally would seem like Darius Butler’s job, but perhaps the Colts realize Butler’s weakness on the outside and want him to be just their slot corner - which would be a smart idea.

One other thing to mention regarding the Colts’ inactives is that backup linemen Le’Raven Clark and Austin Blythe are both inactive. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, and it’s because of the return of Joe Haeg. He’s their primary backup at several spots, and he’s back after missing the game a week ago. So Haeg now can provide the primary depth along the line, giving the team more flexibility to make Clark and Blythe inactive.

As for the Broncos, it’s worth noting that wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is active. It’s unclear how much he’ll play or how much he’ll play, but we at least know that he will indeed play today.