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Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich had his weekly conference call Monday with the media and gave several updates.
Frank Reich says #Colts learned of Rigoberto Sanchez's diagnosis last week and he's thankful it was caught early. Reiterates the punter is one of the most liked and respected players in the locker room. Made the decision to play after consultation with doctors. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) November 30, 2020
The biggest news/update of today is about Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez. Sanchez learned last week that he had a cancerous tumour in his leg. Sanchez will have surgery on the tumour tomorrow and likely be out for awhile. Sanchez still managed to play Sunday even after learning of his tumour, with clearance from the team doctors.
Frank Reich on finding a temporary replacement for Rigoberto Sanchez. "Last week, Chris (Ballard) got on that real quick, going to our short list of punters. That process is ongoing."
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) November 30, 2020
With Sanchez likely out awhile whilst he has treatment for his cancer the Colts will need a new punter. According to Reich, Colts General Manager Chris Ballard is already in the process of doing so and managed to get a short list of punters together and the process is ongoing to sign one. Ballard is always prepared, especially when it comes to scouting player talent so this should come as no surprise to Colts fans.
Frank Reich says Anthony Castonzo is dealing with an MCL sprain. ... How many weeks, exact timetable is still up in the air. Colts need to see how the week falls out.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) November 30, 2020
Frank Reich gave an injury update on LT Anthony Castonzo who was injured during the game and couldn’t finish. Reich says Castonzo has a MCL sprain but that the timetable for his return is up in the air as the Colts need to see how the week falls out. Reich did not rule Castonzo out for this weeks game against the Titans.
Frank Reich says there has been a discussion about moving Braden Smith to LT in light of Castonzo's injury. "Every option gets discussed. That's us doing our due diligence."
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) November 30, 2020
If Castonzo cannot play this week then the Colts will need to find a replacement for him at left tackle. Reich says the team have discussed every option and making sure they are doing their due diligence in the decision. Reich mentioned one option of moving RT Braden Smith to LT to try to lessen a potential blow of Castonzo missing the game Sunday. When Castonzo went down injured in the Titans game it affected the Colts offense massively and it was one of many reasons the Colts ended up losing the game. The Colts need a better plan than Le’Raven Clark at LT as it did not work in the Titans game or against the Browns earlier in the season.
Catching up on the Colts' Covid situation:
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 30, 2020
— Jonathan Taylor was not a positive test, but a close contact, and can return Thursday w/ all negative tests
— DeForest Buckner can return Saturday with no symptoms
— Denico Autry can return this week as well
Frank Reich gave an update on the Colts COVID-19 situation. Defensive tackle was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday last week and was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Buckner missed the Titans game due to his positive test. Reich said that Buckner can return Saturday providing he has no symptoms. Defensive end Denico Autry was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list before the Packers game in week 11 and ended up missing both the Packer and Titans games. Reich said that Autry is available to return this week. Finally Jonathan Taylor was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday after being in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. However, Reich said as Taylor himself was not a positive test he can return on Thursday providing he tests negative this week.
Khari Willis and Jordan Wilkins are "pretty banged up" but "they're both tough guys." Too early to make estimates for this week, per Reich. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) November 30, 2020
Reich then went onto talk about safety Khari Willis and running back Jordan Wilkins who left the Titans game with injuries. Wilkins managed to return and finish the game but Willis did not, even though it was reported he could have if needed. Reich said both are pretty banged up but that both are tough guys and that it is too early to make estimation if they can play this week. The Colts will certainly need both Willis and Wilkins against the Texans Sunday. Willis is an unsung member of the secondary and Wilkins may end up being part of a two man back field Sunday if Taylor is unavailable.