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According to The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich said on Monday that starting tight end Jack Doyle is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is unlikely to play on Thursday night against the Titans—given the short week ahead:
Injury updates:
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 9, 2020
— TE Jack Doyle in concussion protocol, unlikely to be cleared before Thursday due to the short week
— Both TY Hilton and Kemoko Turay could come back this week, but team still uncertain. Two light practices Mon-Tues
Meanwhile, both T.Y. Hilton (groin) and Kemoko Turay (ankle) appear to be at least slightly progressing in the right direction—as both attempted light practice work on Monday, but it remains to be seen if either will actually be active on gameday.
Hilton missed all of last week’s practice nursing the groin injury as well as Sunday’s game, while the Colts are still being cautious with Turay and his imminent activation off of PUP.
As for Doyle, the fact that the NFL failed to throw a flag on this vicious targeting hit to his head/neck area by the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive back is absurd:
Isn’t this textbook example of illegal hit on defenseless receiver? Of course it is. pic.twitter.com/4lrtYUTyG1
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) November 9, 2020
Especially when considering that the same officiating crew had previously flagged Colts safety Julian Blackmon for lowering his helmet on Ravens’ rushing quarterback Lamar Jackson—who was not giving himself up on an actual slide.
It was a much cleaner and safer hit by Blackmon—but was the only one to draw a penalty.
Doyle has battled some injuries in recent seasons—including a hip injury in 2018, but started all 16 games for the Colts during 2019.
While not the most explosive tight end as a receiver, the 2x Pro Bowler adds value to the Colts offense with his ability to do a little bit of everything, catch and block.
He will assuredly be missed in a tough divisional clash against the Tennessee Titans for bragging rights atop the AFC South on Thursday night.
Look for tight end Mo-Alie Cox to have a much more prominent role for the Colts in Doyle’s expected absence—along with veteran tight end Trey Burton.