DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs

In the NFL, inactive lists released 90 minutes before kickoff can shift the momentum of a game before a single snap is taken—and for the Indianapolis Colts, the news that DJ Giddens is among the inactive players for their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs has introduced a last-minute wrinkle to their game plan. Giddens, the Colts’ second-year running back who has emerged as a key change-of-pace option and pass-catching threat out of the backfield, was listed as questionable on the final injury report with a hamstring strain suffered in Wednesday’s practice. DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs is more than a roster update; it’s a reminder of how quickly injuries can alter a team’s strategy, especially against a Chiefs defense that ranks in the top 10 in the league in total yards allowed. For the Colts, who have relied on a balanced offense featuring a deep running back corps this season, Giddens’ absence means adjusting roles, shifting snaps, and leaning on other players to fill the void he leaves in both the running and passing games. As fans and analysts await kickoff, all eyes are on how the Colts will adapt—and whether Giddens’ inactive status will tip the scales in the Chiefs’ favor.

DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs highlights the specific gaps the Colts must fill to maintain their offensive rhythm against a tough Chiefs defense. Giddens wasn’t just a rotational player; he was the Colts’ most reliable running back in passing situations, hauling in 35 receptions for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. His ability to line up in the slot, beat linebackers in one-on-one coverage, and turn short passes into medium gains has been a key part of the Colts’ plan to keep opposing defenses off-balance. Against the Chiefs, who often use zone coverage to limit deep passes, Giddens was expected to be a primary target on screen passes and check-downs, giving quarterback Gardner Minshew II a safe option when under pressure. Without him, the Colts will need to redistribute those responsibilities: Jonathan Taylor, the team’s lead running back, may see more snaps in passing situations, even though he’s primarily a power runner. Tight ends Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox could also shift into more flexed positions, lining up in the backfield or slot to create mismatches. Additionally, the Colts may increase their use of two-tight end sets to add extra blockers and pass-catchers, a adjustment that will require quick communication between Minshew and the offense line to avoid missteps.

DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs also puts a spotlight on Deon Jackson Goodson, the Colts’ third-string running back who is now expected to take on an expanded role in Giddens’ absence. Goodson, who has spent most of the season contributing on special teams and in short-yardage situations, has proven he can handle limited snaps—he scored a crucial 1-yard touchdown in the Colts’ Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans—but he hasn’t been tested in a featured role against a top-tier defense like the Chiefs. The Colts’ coaching staff has been preparing Goodson for this scenario, however, giving him extra reps in practice this week and focusing on the specific plays Giddens would have run. Goodson’s skill set differs from Giddens’; while Giddens is a speedster with elite receiving skills, Goodson is a more physical runner with a low center of gravity, making him better suited for between-the-tackles runs and short-yardage conversions. This means the Colts may adjust their playbook to lean into Goodson’s strengths, using more power runs and fewer screen passes than originally planned. For Goodson, this is a chance to prove he can be a reliable contributor beyond special teams—a opportunity that could reshape his role with the team for the rest of the season and beyond.

DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs forces the Indianapolis Colts to rethink their approach to time of possession, a key factor in their success this season. The Colts rank in the top 5 in the league in time of possession, averaging over 32 minutes per game, and Giddens played a big part in that by picking up first downs on third-and-short and extending drives with his receiving skills. Without him, maintaining that pace will be a challenge, especially against the Chiefs’ offense, which is led by Patrick Mahomes and can score quickly. To compensate, the Colts will likely rely more on Taylor, who has rushed for over 1,100 yards this season, to carry the load in the running game. Taylor will need to stay fresh throughout the game, as the Colts may use a “workhorse” approach, giving him 25+ carries to grind out yards and keep the clock moving. The offensive line will also play a critical role, needing to create bigger holes for Taylor and Goodson to run through, especially on early downs. Additionally, the Colts may call more play-action passes to keep the Chiefs’ defense guessing—using Taylor’s threat as a runner to open up deep passes to wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. The Indianapolis Colts know that controlling the clock isn’t just about keeping their offense on the field; it’s about limiting Mahomes’ opportunities to lead comeback drives, making this adjustment even more crucial.

DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs also tests the Colts’ special teams unit, which has already been dealing with injuries this season. Giddens was a key contributor on kickoff and punt return teams, using his speed to break tackles and set up the Colts’ offense with good field position. This season, he’s averaged 22 yards per kickoff return, including a 45-yard return in Week 8 that set up a game-winning field goal. Without him, the Colts will turn to Goodson and wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie to handle return duties. Goodson has limited experience in this role, but he’s shown quickness and agility on special teams tackles, while McKenzie—who spent time with the Bills earlier this season—has a history of explosive returns, including a 84-yard punt return touchdown in 2022. The Colts’ special teams coordinator, Bubba Ventrone, has spent extra time this week practicing return schemes with both players, focusing on reading blocking assignments and finding gaps in the Chiefs’ coverage units. Special teams often fly under the radar, but in a close game, a single big return or a mistake on special teams can be the difference between winning and losing. The Indianapolis Colts can’t afford to let Giddens’ absence derail their special teams performance, making this another area where quick adjustments will be essential.

DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs concludes with the broader implications of this roster move for the Colts’ playoff hopes and their long-term strategy. If the Colts can adapt to Giddens’ absence and beat the Chiefs, it will prove their resilience and depth—qualities that are essential for a deep playoff run. A win would also keep them in the thick of the AFC South race, as they currently sit just one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for the division lead. However, a loss could widen that gap and raise questions about the Colts’ ability to handle injuries to key players, especially as the regular season winds down. Beyond this game, Giddens’ injury status will be closely monitored: if his hamstring strain lingers, it could impact the Colts’ running back rotation for the final two games of the season, putting more pressure on Taylor and Goodson. For the Colts’ front office, this situation also underscores the importance of roster depth—a lesson they’ve already applied this season by investing in their running back corps. DJ Giddens Among Inactive Players for Indianapolis Colts vs. Chiefs is a moment of truth for the Colts, testing their adaptability, depth, and mental toughness. How they respond will not only shape the outcome of this game but also define their identity as a playoff contender in the competitive AFC.