Colts rule out two starters for Week 14

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke with the media after Friday's practice.  And he ruled out two starters for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Jonathan Taylor:  With Taylor out again this week, the team will turn to backup Zack Moss. Moss has dominated the carries during Taylor's absence. The Colts […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against New England Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills (2) in the first half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park.
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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke with the media after Friday's practice. 

And he ruled out two starters for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Jonathan Taylor: 

With Taylor out again this week, the team will turn to backup Zack Moss. Moss has dominated the carries during Taylor's absence. The Colts will yet again look to elevate one of their practice squad RBs this week, as they only have two on the active roster at this time. 

Braden Smith: 

Smith suffered a knee injury in Week 12 that forced him to miss the rest of the game. That injury carried into this week, as Smith couldn't practice at all. With Smith out, the Colts will look to rookie Blake Freeland to make his 7th start of the year. Freeland has shown improvement each time the team has given him an opportunity this year, and they will be hoping that trend continues this week. He will likely Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who already has 11.5 sacks this season and has had a sack in three straight games. 

As well as Taylor and Smith being ruled out, Steichen ruled rookie CB Juju Brents questionable for Week 14. 

If Brents isn't able to go, it'll be Jaylon and, Jones and Darrell Baker Jr.  who continue to man the teams starting outside CB spots. If Brents is able to make his return this week, it'll be interesting to see what capacity the team elects to throw him back into. Would he be thrown directly back into the starting lineup, or would he be eased back into the rotation to get him to back to full speed? 

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