Colts could be without three pass-catchers vs. the Patriots
FRANKFURT, GERMANY - The Colts will be down at least one pass catcher this week and as many as three for a game in Germany.
Indianapolis has ruled out tight end Drew Ogletree with a foot injury and cornerback JuJu Brents with a quad injury for Sunday's game against the Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany. Neither player made the international trip with the team.
The Colts have questionable designations for wide receiver Josh Downs (knee), wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) and linebacker Zaire Franklin (knee).
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The Patriots have ruled out tackle Trent Brown (personal matter/ankle), cornerback J.C. Jackson (personal matter) and wide receiver DeVante Parker (brain).
Downs and Franklin have been dealing with knee issues for more than a week. Franklin suffered his against the Saints, returned to play in the game and then missed the next week against the Panthers. He practiced the full week and returned to a full practice for Friday, though it was only a walk-through.
Downs suffered his in practice heading into the Panthers game, then caught one pass for 10 yards before he reinjured the knee. He returned Friday for his first practice reps of the week.
Pierce hurt his ankle in Thursday's practice but was full in Friday's walkthrough.
The Colts will need some receiving options other than Michael Pittman Jr. for Gardner Minshew to throw to. The passing game grinded to a halt in the second half of last Sunday's 27-13 win over the Panthers, and it could be a challenge with the jet lag and unique road environment that comes with a game in Germany.
But Indianapolis could also err on the side of caution this week given the travel demands and the fact that the bye week starts on Monday after the team returns home.
With a win, the Colts can get to 5-5 entering the bye week, after which it can get some important players back. A loss would drop the team to 4-6 and make life difficult in the competitive AFC.
Contact Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts could be without three pass-catchers vs. the Patriots
