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Well, we have bad news on the Colts front, as it appears that starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo will not be ready to go against the Washington Redskins on Sunday after suffering what Frank Reich referred to as a minor setback.
Colts HC Frank Reich: Anthony Castonzo has setback Wednesday. OUT for Sunday. Denico Autry also OUT, as is Chris Milton.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) September 14, 2018
Castonzo, Autry, Milton and Good have all been ruled out for #INDvsWAS: https://t.co/NL2Vger0pg pic.twitter.com/yRRY80RpO8
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 14, 2018
Another notable player who won’t be playing on Sunday is DT Denico Autry. Both these losses will sting. The Redskins have a brutal pass rush and the Colts were really counting on getting Castonzo back to help solidify the offensive line.
There were some very good performances by the line against a good Bengals pass rush, but the loss of J’Marcus Webb on the right side hurts too, and now they’ll have to prove they can overcome adversity and string together a couple of these quality efforts as a group yet again. They certainly won’t get a break from the Redskins.
Denico Autry’s loss is a big blow as well, because the Redskins absolutely killed the Cardinals on the ground, and the Colts will need their defensive line to play out of their minds to limit the run and get the Redskins’ offense off the field.
Also missing Sunday’s game, although less surprising, are CB Chris Milton who is in concussion protocol, and tackle Denzelle Good. This leaves the team a bit thin, especially at tackle. They’ll need Joe Haeg and Le’Raven Clark to have great performances, and most importantly, to stay healthy.
Reich said Mack looked good this week. Making progress. Makes it clear there’s a possibility RB will play Sunday. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) September 14, 2018
One positive note that bodes well for the team is that Marlon Mack has reportedly looked good in practice and Reich said there is definitely a possibility that he will play on Sunday. If healthy, Mack is a major difference maker for the offense, and gives the Colts a home run threat in the short passing game.
They’ll need that because the offensive line will be under siege most of the game, and Andrew Luck won’t do well if they are calling a lot of 5-7 step drops. Week one saw a creative offensive game plan from Reich, and I expect we will see more of the same for week two. It had better be, because this could be a rough week to be Andrew Luck.