Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts

The 2024 NFL season has become a grueling test of roster depth for the Indianapolis Colts, as a wave of injuries to key players—coupled with tight divisional races and a tough schedule—has forced the team to rely on backups and rookies in critical roles. What began as a promising campaign, with the Colts eyeing an AFC South title, has evolved into a battle of resilience: from the offensive line losing two starters to the secondary leaning on undrafted free agents, every position group has faced unexpected gaps. For a team that entered the season with questions about depth, these challenges have not only exposed vulnerabilities but also revealed hidden talent. Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts explores how the Colts have navigated injuries, the standout performances from unexpected contributors, and why this trial by fire could strengthen the team long-term.

Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts starts with the offensive line, which has endured the most significant hits to its depth this season. In Week 6, starting left guard Quenton Nelson suffered a knee sprain that sidelined him for four games; just two weeks later, right tackle Braden Smith went on injured reserve with a triceps injury, leaving the line without two Pro Bowl-caliber players. The Colts turned to backups: second-year guard Will Fries, who had played just 87 snaps in 2023, stepped in for Nelson, while rookie fourth-round pick Blake Freeland filled Smith’s spot. Initially, the line struggled—quarterback Gardner Minshew was sacked five times in Week 8—but by Week 10, the backups had found their rhythm. Fries helped anchor a run game that rushed for 142 yards against the New Orleans Saints, and Freeland didn’t allow a single pressure in Week 11’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Losing Q and Braden was a punch to the gut, but our backups stepped up when we needed them most,” said offensive line coach Chris Strausser. “Will and Blake didn’t just fill roles—they grew into them, and that’s a testament to their work ethic.” Their performances have kept the Colts’ offense on track, even without its usual anchors.

A key area where depth has been tested is the secondary, which has lost three cornerbacks to injuries since Week 9. Starter Kenny Moore II (ankle) and nickelback JuJu Brents (hamstring) both missed three games, while backup Darius Rush was placed on injured reserve in Week 12. With few experienced options left, the Colts turned to two undrafted free agents: second-year player Anthony Chesley and rookie Jaylon Jones. Chesley, who had spent most of 2023 on the practice squad, started three games and recorded an interception in Week 10’s win over the Saints. Jones, meanwhile, held Saints wide receiver Chris Olave to just 32 yards in coverage in his first career start. “We didn’t have many choices but to trust Anthony and Jaylon, and they didn’t let us down,” said secondary coach Ron Milus. “They studied film, asked questions, and played with confidence—even against top receivers. That’s the kind of depth you hope for but never want to have to use.” The secondary’s ability to hold its own—allowing just 202 passing yards per game during the injury stretch—has kept the Colts in playoff contention.

A critical aspect of Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts is the running back room, which has relied on depth after starter Jonathan Taylor missed two games with a quad strain—and what it means for the current Indianapolis Colts team. Taylor, the Colts’ offensive engine with 894 rushing yards, sat out Weeks 11 and 12, forcing the team to lean on backups Zack Moss and Deon Jackson. Moss, a veteran who had mostly been a short-yardage specialist, stepped into the lead role and rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown in Week 11, then added 83 yards in Week 12. Jackson, meanwhile, provided a change of pace with his receiving skills, catching six passes for 45 yards in those two games. Their performances didn’t just keep the run game alive—they gave the Colts a more balanced attack. “Having Zack and Deon step up meant we didn’t have to change our entire offensive approach without JT,” said head coach Shane Steichen. “They brought different strengths to the field, and that kept defenses guessing.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this depth has become a strategic advantage: even when Taylor returns, Moss and Jackson will continue to play key roles, keeping the star running back fresh for the playoffs. It’s a reminder that depth isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about enhancing the team’s overall flexibility.

Another layer of the Colts’ depth test is the defensive line, which has leaned on rookies after veteran defensive tackle Grover Stewart was suspended for four games in Week 10. Stewart, a Pro Bowler in 2023, was a anchor of the run defense, so his suspension left a significant hole. The Colts turned to rookie third-round pick Adetomiwa Adebawore and undrafted free agent Eric Johnson Jr. to fill the void. Adebawore, a versatile lineman who can play inside and out, recorded two sacks and three tackles for loss during the suspension, while Johnson helped clog running lanes, limiting opponents to just 89 rushing yards per game in Stewart’s absence. “Losing Grover was tough, but it gave our young guys a chance to prove themselves,” said defensive line coach Matt Raich. “Tomi and Eric didn’t shy away from the moment—they played with physicality and intelligence, and that’s exactly what we needed.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this unexpected opportunity has accelerated the development of their young defensive linemen, turning a short-term setback into a long-term gain. Adebawore’s emergence, in particular, has given the Colts a dynamic pass-rushing threat they didn’t have before the suspension.

Wrapping up Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts is the broader lesson from these trials: that roster depth is more than just numbers on a sheet—it’s about building a culture of readiness. From backups studying extra film to rookies staying late for drills, the Colts’ depth has shined because players were prepared to step up before they were needed. Head coach Shane Steichen has emphasized this culture since training camp, holding every player—starters and backups alike—to the same standard. “Depth isn’t about having a backup for every position,” Steichen said. “It’s about making sure every player knows their role, understands the scheme, and is ready to contribute when their number is called. That’s what we’ve built here, and it’s why we’ve been able to weather these storms.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this season’s depth test has not only kept them in the playoff hunt but also laid the groundwork for future success. The backups who stepped up this year will become more valuable contributors next season, and the team’s ability to adapt has proven it can compete even when things don’t go as planned. Depth Tested Amid Season Challenges for the Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a story about injuries and replacements—it’s a story about a team that turned adversity into strength, one unexpected contributor at a time.