Colts' final injury report is concerning for Rams game in NFL Week 4
The Indianapolis Colts hold the AFC South lead as the Los Angeles Rams visit in NFL Week 4 action (1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS).
The Colts (2-1) have won two straight road games, largely with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Indianapolis scratched out a 22-19 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens one week after handling the Houston Texans.
The Rams (1-2) are coming off a 19-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was under siege after his left tackle, Alaric Jackson, left the game with a thigh injury. Cincinnati teed off on substitute Zach Thomas. Guard Joe Noteboom also left the game with an injury.
Surprisingly, the Rams defense has forced just 1 turnover.
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Will Anthony Richardson play? Colts injury report
Quarterback Anthony Richardson (concussion) is set to start, but his offensive line is in question. Center Ryan Kelly and left tackle Bernhard Raimann (both concussion) are out, and guard Quenton Nelson is questionable. Also, right tackle Braden Smith (wrist) did not practice Friday, and his availability is uncertain.
Also questionable: DT DeForest Buckner (groin/back), who did not practice all week, and QB Sam Ehlinger (right shoulder), who did not practice Friday. Defensive lineman Grover Stewart (foot) also did not practice Friday.
On Saturday, the Colts elevated G Ike Boettger and WR Amari Rodgers to the active roster from the practice squad. They also signed WR K.J. Hamler to the practice squad and released CB Darren Hall from the practice squad.
Rams injury report
Rams who are questionable for the game: T Alaric Jackson (hamstring); WR Ben Skowronek (Achilles); TE Tyler Higbee (Achilles); S John Johnson (face); full participation Friday: WR Puka Nacua (oblique); G Joe Noteboom (knee).
NFL power rankings: Where the Colts stand
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: 28th, up 2 places from last week
It would have been easy to look at the Colts to start the season, especially after the Jonathan Taylor drama crested, and wonder if last season’s nightmare ever ended. But since the competitive loss in Week 1, the Colts have won impressively on the road in back-to-back games. The Utah duo of Zack Moss and Matt Gay were big heroes in the overtime win at Baltimore, but so was a defense that made big stops and cranked up the pressure. The big surprise Sunday was how much the Colts blitzed (40% blitz rate), something they typically do more selectively. But these are important victories for a club that has had to repeatedly lick its wounds in recent years. The Colts are growing thicker skin now.
Frank Schwab, Yahoo: 19th, up 8 spots
There was so much going on in the NFL on Sunday that the Colts' win might be overlooked. They went on the road against a 2-0 Ravens team, without quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor, and got the first huge win of the Shane Steichen era. Is it possible this will be the 2023 AFC South champion?
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 24th, up 2 positions
They are the first place team in the AFC South without Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, showing that Shane Steichen's offense can be special. Their defense is also compensating well for holes vs. the pass.
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 19th
Just a beautifully designed offense in combination with a team that is seemingly unafraid. Shane Steichen, at every stop, has maximized his personnel. We’re seeing that now in Indy where a sort of patchwork group of players was smushed together and who now look like they have a purpose. Defensively, the Colts also stepped to the plate. Big tackles from the likes of E.J. Speed, among others, stifled critical drives.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 14th, up 10 places
Beating the Ravens on the road is a good look for this team, which is in first place. Doing it with a backup quarterback in Gardner Minshew makes it even more impressive.
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Who is Puka Nacua?
The 5th-round NFL Draft pick out of BYU has become the Rams' go-to receiver with Cooper Kupp sidelined, and has 30 receptions for 338 yards. The 22-year-old from Las Vegas is the younger brother of former NFL safety Kai Nacua.
Colts key players
Gardner Minshew (66.7% completions, 398 yards, 2 TDs, sacked 5 times); Anthony Richardson (63.8% completions, 279 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, sacked 4 times; 75 rushing yards, 3 TDs); Zack Moss (210 rushing yards in 2 games, 4.4 yards per carry, 1 TD); Michael Pittman Jr. (25 catches, 230 yards, 1 TD); Josh Downs (15 catches, 124 yards); Zaire Franklin (45 tackles); Kwity Paye (3 sacks); Matt Gay (6-of-6 FGs, 4 from 50+ yards); Isaiah McKenzie (5 punt returns, 13.6 yards per).
Rams key players
Matthew Stafford (60.3% completions, 910 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, sacked 7 times); Kyren Williams (142 rushing yards, 3.6 per carry, 3 TDs); Puka Nacua (30 catches, 338 yards), Tutu Atwell (17 catches, 246 yards, 1 TD); Ernest Jones (28 tackles, 4 for loss); Brett Maher (9-of-11 field goals, 1-of-3 from 50+ yards).
Colts vs. Rams betting odds
Favorite: Colts by 1 point
Over/under: 45 total points
Moneyline: Colts -110, Rams -110
Will the roof be open for the Colts game?
The Colts say the Lucas Oil Stadium roof will be closed Sunday. The forecast is for sunny skies and a high of about 80 degrees. The roof was closed for the Colts' season opener under similar conditions.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts vs. Rams: NFL power rankings, storylines, injuries, betting odds
