The Indianapolis Colts will have tight end Mo Alie-Cox and defensive end Tyquan Lewis for Sunday’s Week 15 matchup with Denver.
Alie-Cox popped up on the injury report on Friday with a hip injury and was designated as questionable for this game. Lewis, meanwhile, was not on the injury report all week, but was downgraded to questionable on Saturday with a rib injury.
Alie-Cox, who is more so known for his blocking ability, will play a crucial role in this game as the Colts face a Broncos defensive front that has been one of the best at both limiting the run and getting after the quarterback.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky would also say earlier in the week that the Colts’ tight ends and receivers were in need of their best game of the season in Week 15. Orlovsky would go on to emphsize that this means having no drops–something that has been an issue all season and particularly as of late.
Lewis has been back in the fold the last two games for the Colts after returning from injured reserve with an elbow injury.
In the Colts’ first four games of the season, Lewis was the starting defensive end opposite of Kwity Paye. But since returning, he has been the fourth member of that rotation.
Lewis has totaled 13 pressures this season, 12 of which came in the first four games, and has been a valuable contributor against the run. Out of all defensive ends this season, Lewis ranks fifth in PFF’s run-stop rate metric.
The Denver offensive line has been among the best at protecting the quarterback this season. On paper, their run game production has been modest, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, which ranks 19th.
For a look at who the Colts’ inactives are for this game, click here.
