The Indianapolis Colts will have two big names return for their AFC South date with the Tennessee Titans.
The Saturday update had one downside: second-year cornerback JuJu Brents (knee) will not play. However, he was not expected to participate; if he did, it was likely in a restricted role for Gus Bradley’s men.
Carlies is Indianapolis’ finest covering linebacker, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 82.0 from 41 coverage snaps. With E.J. Speed (knee) expected to miss this game, Carlies and Zaire Franklin will be counted on to anchor the second level of defense. Kelly, the Colts’ captain and Pro Bowl center, will play his first game since Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Tanor Bortolini and Danny Pinter filled in during Kelly’s absence, but the veteran hasn’t been at his best this season. Kelly has a 63.7 overall grade, 70.3 pass-blocking, and 61.1 run-blocking rating, according to Pro Football Focus. He’ll try to go back to his best tomorrow against Tennessee.
The Colts don’t look to be playing for much in Week 16, but they can still make the playoffs if a prayer is answered. However, nothing matters if they lose this one at home and fall to a disappointing 6-9. We’ll see what happens in what will definitely be a close-fought battle tomorrow afternoon.
