Indianapolis Colts

Colts Already Rule Out 7 Players Against Titans Including Jack Mewhort

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Indianapolis Colts have already ruled out 7 players ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans including DE Henry Anderson (knee), TE Dwayne Allen (ankle), WR Phillip Dorsett (foot & hamstring), DL Zach Kerr (ankle), OLB Curt Maggitt (ankle), OG Jack Mewhort (tricep), and WR Donte Moncrief (shoulder).

Among the list, Mewhort’s name may come as the biggest surprise. The 3rd-year offensive guard is arguably the Colts best offensive lineman and his loss would be a significant one to a unit that has already struggled protecting starting quarterback Andrew Luck so far this season.

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) is congratulated by offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (75) after scoring the winning touchdown against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Chicago 29-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Mewhort is apparently dealing with a triceps injury and didn’t practice all week. In his absence, look for rookie Joe Haeg to slide over to left guard with veteran Joe Reitz being re-inserted as the starting right tackle once again.

Meanwhile, Anderson’s addition to the inactive list will also be a big blow to the Colts defensive line depth. The Colts already had Kerr out last week–who’s out again, which means that more will be expected from recently reinstated former starter Art Jones, as well as young rotational defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway and T.Y. McGill.

Otherwise, at tight end, Allen looks like he’ll be out at least a few weeks with an ankle injury, which means that 2nd tight end Jack Doyle will now be elevated to the team’s primary tight end. Doyle should hold his own in that role, but the Colts will most miss Allen’s blocking prowess above all else. Look for Erik Swoope and perhaps even recently re-signed Chase Coffman to handle the 2nd-string tight end duties–the latter more for blocking duties.

It goes without saying, but the Colts are very banged up at wide receiver. Already without Moncrief–who appears to be at least another week from returning, the team has now lost it’s elevated 2nd receiver Dorsett. In their absence, undrafted rookie Chester Rogers should assume a prominent role in the Colts offense as the newest 2nd-wide receiver alongside T.Y. Hilton.

Rogers has impressed when given the opportunity, but having also lost Quan Bray to the injured reserve, the Colts will now turn to fellow undrafted rookie Tevaun Smith to assume some of the 3rd-wide receiver duties–as the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout was promoted from the team’s practice squad earlier this week. 3rd-year veteran Devin Street could also see some reps as well at wide receiver, although he has yet to catch a pass for the Colts.

Lastly, the Colts will also lose some of their pass rushing depth with Maggitt out with an ankle injury–one of their key rotational pass rushers. The Colts recently claimed former Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Lavar Edwards off waivers for additional depth at the position.