Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts enter the critical final stretch of the NFL regular season, the team has confirmed set absences for several key members—dealing a potential blow to their playoff push but also testing the depth and resilience of the roster. The absences, resulting from a mix of lingering injuries and scheduled rest for veteran players, include starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee sprain), defensive tackle Grover Stewart (ankle injury), and special teams ace Ashton Dulin (hamstring strain). Each player fills a vital role, and their absence forces the Colts to adjust lineups, shift tactics, and rely on backups who have seen limited playing time this season. For a team fighting for a wild-card spot, these absences aren’t just roster changes—they’re a challenge to the team’s ability to adapt under pressure. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts breaks down each player’s importance, the impact of their absence, and how the Colts are preparing to overcome these hurdles in their upcoming games.

The most impactful absence is Bernhard Raimann, the Colts’ starting left tackle who has been ruled out for the next two games with a Grade 2 knee sprain. Raimann, a second-year player, has been a staple of the Colts’ offensive line this season, allowing just 2 sacks and 8 pressures in 14 starts. His ability to protect quarterback Anthony Richardson’s blind side has been crucial to the Colts’ passing attack, and his run-blocking has helped Jonathan Taylor average 4.5 yards per carry. With Raimann sidelined, the Colts will turn to backup tackle Braden Smith, who normally plays right tackle but has limited experience on the left side. Smith, a veteran with 78 career starts, has spent extra time in practice this week working on left tackle techniques, including pass-blocking against edge rushers who favor the blind side. “Braden is a versatile player, but moving him to left tackle means we have to adjust the entire line,” Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser said. “We’re simplifying some of our blocking schemes to make the transition smoother, but there’s no replacing Bernhard’s consistency.” The absence also puts more pressure on Richardson to get rid of the ball quickly, which could limit the Colts’ deep passing game. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts frames Raimann’s absence as the biggest challenge, as the offensive line’s stability is critical to the Colts’ overall success.

On the defensive side, the Colts will be without Grover Stewart for at least one game due to an ankle injury he sustained in the team’s win over the Houston Texans. Stewart, a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle, has recorded 4 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles this season, and his ability to clog interior running lanes has been key to the Colts’ run defense (which ranks 15th in the NFL). Without Stewart, the Colts will rotate backup defensive tackles Eric Johnson and Byron Cowart into the lineup, both of whom have played fewer than 200 snaps this season. Johnson, an undrafted free agent, has shown promise in limited action—recording 1 sack and 3 tackles for loss—but lacks Stewart’s size (Stewart is 6’4”, 335 lbs) and ability to take on double teams. “Grover is a force in the middle—he commands double teams, which frees up our linebackers to make plays,” Colts defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said. “Eric and Byron are talented, but they’ll need to play smarter, not just harder, to fill that role.” The absence could make the Colts more vulnerable to teams with strong running games, like their upcoming opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, who rank 12th in rushing yards per game. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts explores how Stewart’s absence weakens the Colts’ run defense and forces other defenders to step up.

For the Indianapolis Colts, the absence of Ashton Dulin on special teams is a lesser-discussed but significant loss. Dulin, the team’s primary punt returner and a key contributor on kickoff coverage, has averaged 9.8 yards per punt return this season and has recorded 8 special teams tackles. He also serves as a backup wide receiver, adding depth to a position group that has already dealt with injuries. With Dulin sidelined, the Colts will turn to rookie wide receiver Josh Downs as the primary punt returner and will shift linebacker E.J. Speed to Dulin’s spot on kickoff coverage. Downs, a third-round pick out of North Carolina, has spent most of the season as a slot receiver and has just 5 career punt returns in college. “Ashton brings experience and reliability to special teams—he rarely makes mistakes, which is crucial in that phase of the game,” Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason said. “Josh is a quick learner, but we’re adjusting our return schemes to play to his strengths—like shorter returns that prioritize holding onto the ball.” For the Indianapolis Colts, special teams mistakes (like fumbles or long returns allowed) could be costly in close games, and Dulin’s absence increases the risk of such errors. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts emphasizes how Dulin’s loss impacts the Colts’ special teams efficiency, a phase of the game that often decides tight matchups.

To mitigate these absences, the Indianapolis Colts have implemented tactical adjustments in practice, focusing on simplifying schemes and leveraging the strengths of backup players. On offense, the team has reduced the number of complex passing plays that require the left tackle to hold blocks for long periods, instead relying on quick passes to tight ends and running backs. They’ve also increased the use of two-tight end formations, which provide extra protection for Smith on the left side. On defense, the Colts have shifted to a more aggressive pass-rushing approach, using blitzes from linebackers and safeties to compensate for Stewart’s absence in the run game. “We can’t replace the talent we’re losing, but we can adjust our schemes to put our backups in positions to succeed,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. The team has also extended practice time for backup players, giving Johnson, Cowart, Downs, and Smith extra reps against the first-team defense and offense. For the Indianapolis Colts, these adjustments aren’t just about surviving the next few games—they’re about building depth that could be crucial in the playoffs, where injuries are common. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts examines how the Colts’ proactive adjustments show their ability to adapt and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Finally, the set absences have become a test of team resilience for the Indianapolis Colts, a trait that will be essential if they want to make a deep playoff run. The team’s veterans, including DeForest Buckner and Kenny Moore II, have stepped up as leaders, holding extra film sessions with backup players and emphasizing the importance of “next man up” culture. Richardson, the team’s young quarterback, has also taken on a larger leadership role, encouraging backups during practice and reminding the team that adversity is part of the NFL. “These absences are a chance for guys to show what they’re made of,” Richardson said. “We’re not a one-man team—we’re a unit, and everyone has to contribute.” The Colts’ front office has also explored potential roster moves, including signing free-agent offensive linemen for depth, but has emphasized that they believe in the current roster’s ability to overcome these challenges. Set Absence for Key Members of the Indianapolis Colts concludes that while the absences are a setback, they could also be a turning point—proving that the Colts have the depth, leadership, and adaptability to compete with the AFC’s top teams, even when key players are sidelined. For a team aiming to end a playoff drought, this resilience could be the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one.