Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Indianapolis Colts

The 2024 NFL season has emerged as a rigorous trial of roster depth for the Indianapolis Colts, as a string of injuries to key contributors forced the team to lean on backups, rookies, and even practice squad players in high-pressure moments. What began as a season with playoff aspirations quickly turned into a test of resilience: from the offensive line losing two Pro Bowl starters to the secondary relying on undrafted free agents, every position group faced unexpected gaps that threatened to derail the Colts’ momentum. For a team that entered the year with questions about its depth beyond star players like Jonathan Taylor and Gardner Minshew, these challenges have not only exposed vulnerabilities but also revealed hidden talent within the roster. Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Indianapolis Colts explores how the Colts navigated these obstacles, the standout performances from unexpected contributors, and why this trial by fire has strengthened the team’s long-term prospects.

Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Indianapolis Colts begins with the offensive line, which endured the earliest and most impactful depth test of the season. In Week 6, left guard Quenton Nelson—an eight-time Pro Bowler and the heart of the line—suffered a knee sprain that sidelined him for four games. Just two weeks later, right tackle Braden Smith, another Pro Bowl selection, was placed on injured reserve with a triceps injury, leaving the line without its two most experienced players. The Colts turned to unproven backups: Will Fries, a second-year guard who had played only 87 snaps in 2023, stepped in for Nelson, while rookie fourth-round pick Blake Freeland filled Smith’s spot. Initially, the line struggled—Minshew was sacked five times in Week 8—but by Week 10, the backups had adapted. 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 devastating, but our backups showed they could compete,” 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 and our preparation.” Their resilience kept the Colts’ offense on track, even without its usual anchors.

A key area where depth was tested is the secondary, which lost three cornerbacks to injuries in a six-week stretch starting in 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 with a shoulder injury, leaving the Colts with few experienced options. Forced to dig deep into the roster, the team promoted two undrafted free agents from the practice squad: Anthony Chesley, a second-year player who had never started an NFL game, and rookie Jaylon Jones. Chesley stepped into the starting lineup and recorded an interception in Week 10’s win over the Saints, while Jones held Saints wide receiver Chris Olave to just 32 yards in coverage in his first career start. “We didn’t have a Plan B beyond Anthony and Jaylon, so we had to trust them,” said secondary coach Ron Milus. “They studied film relentlessly, asked questions, and played with confidence—even against top-tier 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—kept the Colts in the playoff hunt and proved that the unit’s success wasn’t dependent on a single player.

A critical aspect of Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Indianapolis Colts is the running back room, which relied on depth after starter Jonathan Taylor missed two games with a quad strain in November—and what it means for the current Indianapolis Colts team. Taylor, the Colts’ offensive engine with 894 rushing yards at the time, 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 used as 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 that defenses struggled to predict. “Having Zack and Deon step up meant we didn’t have to overhaul our offense 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 returned, Moss and Jackson continued to play key roles, keeping the star running back fresh for the playoff push. 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 faced a unique challenge when veteran defensive tackle Grover Stewart was suspended for four games in Week 10 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Stewart, a Pro Bowler in 2023, was the anchor of the run defense, and his suspension left a significant hole in the middle of the line. The Colts turned to two young players to fill the void: rookie third-round pick Adetomiwa Adebawore and undrafted free agent Eric Johnson Jr. 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 a huge blow, 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 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 Tests of Team Depth in Season for the Indianapolis Colts is the broader lesson from these challenges: that roster depth is more than just numbers on a sheet—it’s about building a culture of readiness and accountability. From backups staying late to study film to rookies asking veterans for advice, the Colts’ depth shined because players were prepared to step up before they were needed. 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 warm body 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 tests have 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. Tests of Team Depth in Season 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.