Colts rule Jonathan Taylor and Braden Smith out for Week 15

The Indianapolis Colts held their final practice ahead of their Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And they have now ruled out two critical starters for Saturday's game. Jonathan Taylor: The Colts will be without their star RB Jonathan Taylor for the third straight week. Their run game has struggled this time around without […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer

Dec 14, 2023 2:57 PM EST

Sep 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) and offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) celebrate after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. — Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts held their final practice ahead of their Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And they have now ruled out two critical starters for Saturday's game.

The Colts have ruled out RT Braden Smith (knee) and RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) for Saturday.

JuJu Brents will play for the first time since Week 7.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) December 14, 2023

Jonathan Taylor:

The Colts will be without their star RB Jonathan Taylor for the third straight week. Their run game has struggled this time around without him, as they've rushed for a combined 101 yards over the past two weeks. Not having a run game to keep defenses honest creates more pressure on the team's passing game. And with their backup QB Gardner Minshew under center, that is not ideal. This week, they will need to find a way to get Zack Moss and their running game going against a Steelers run defense that is tied for allowing the 7th highest yards per carry in the NFL at 4.2 yards. On the bright side, it seems that Taylor may be progressing towards a return soon via NFL Network's Ian Rapport.

Once again, #Colts coach Shane Steichen rules out star RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb). That's three games missed. He's entering the window where a return would be possible if all goes well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2023

Braden Smith:

The Colts will be without their starting RT Braden Smith for the sixth time this season, which sets up rookie Blake Freeland to make another start. And he will have to do so with yet another elite pass rusher on the opposing side. As Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watthas officially cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will be active for Week 15. Freeland will add Watt to the long list of elite edge rushers he has faced during his rookie season.