Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12

In the NFL, inactive lists are a weekly reality that can shift the momentum of a team’s game plan, and this Week 12, a notable name has landed on the Indianapolis Colts’ list: Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12. The decision to rule out the second-year tight end comes at a critical point in the season, as the Colts fight for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC. Mallory, who was drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has emerged as a reliable complementary piece in the offense this season, contributing both as a pass-catcher and a blocker. His absence raises questions about how the Colts will adjust their game plan, especially considering the team’s recent focus on utilizing multiple tight end sets to create mismatches against defenses. For fans and analysts, the news has sparked speculation about the reason behind the inactive designation—whether it’s due to injury, a coaching decision, or a strategic adjustment—and how it will impact the Colts’ chances of winning their Week 12 matchup against a division rival. As the Colts prepare to take the field, all eyes will be on how the team compensates for Mallory’s absence and whether other tight ends can step up to fill the void.

Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12 is a decision that carries weight because of Mallory’s growing role in the Colts’ offense this season. Through the first 11 weeks, Mallory had appeared in every game, recording 18 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns. He had become a favorite target for quarterback Gardner Minshew in short-yardage and red-zone situations, thanks to his 6’5” frame and reliable hands. Beyond his receiving skills, Mallory had also improved as a blocker, helping to open up running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and protect Minshew from pass-rushers. His versatility made him a valuable asset in the Colts’ offensive scheme, which often uses two or three tight ends to confuse defenses. The news of his inactivity was unexpected, as Mallory had not been listed on the team’s injury report leading up to the game. Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed the decision in a pre-game press conference, stating that it was a “game-time personnel choice” aimed at optimizing the team’s lineup for the specific opponent. While Steichen did not elaborate further, analysts have suggested that the decision may be based on the opponent’s defensive strengths—specifically, their ability to neutralize larger tight ends—and the Colts’ desire to use faster pass-catchers to exploit mismatches elsewhere.

The Colts’ plan to replace Will Mallory in Week 12 centers on leaning on their remaining tight ends, each of whom brings a different skill set to the offense. The team’s starting tight end, Kylen Granson, will likely see an increased workload, taking on more snaps in both receiving and blocking roles. Granson, a fourth-year player, has already had a productive season, with 32 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns, and he has the experience to handle the added responsibility. Behind Granson, the Colts have two backup tight ends: a veteran journeyman known for his blocking prowess and a rookie undrafted free agent who has impressed coaches with his speed and agility. The veteran blocker will likely step in to handle most of Mallory’s blocking duties, while the rookie could be used in passing situations to stretch the field. The Colts may also adjust their offensive formation, using more wide receivers or running backs in place of a second tight end to maintain their offensive flexibility. This shift could force the opponent’s defense to adjust their own personnel, potentially creating new opportunities for Taylor to run the ball or for wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. to find open space. For the Colts’ offense to be successful without Mallory, these adjustments will need to be seamless, and the remaining players will need to step up and execute their roles with precision.

Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12 also raises questions about the team’s depth at the tight end position and how it will hold up for the remainder of the season. The Indianapolis Colts have prided themselves on building deep rosters to withstand injuries and in-game adjustments, but losing a player of Mallory’s caliber—even for a single game—tests that depth. If Mallory’s inactivity extends beyond Week 12, the Colts could face challenges, especially if Granson or the other tight ends suffer injuries. The team does have the option to sign a free-agent tight end or promote a player from their practice squad, but those moves would require time for the new player to learn the playbook and build chemistry with Minshew. For now, the Colts are relying on their existing roster to fill the gap, and the Week 12 game will be a test of their preparation and adaptability. The coaching staff has spent extra time in practice this week working on plays that feature the remaining tight ends, and players have spoken about the importance of stepping up for their teammate. “Will is a big part of our team, but we have to be ready to go no matter who’s in the lineup,” Granson said in a recent interview. “We’ve practiced these scenarios, and we’re confident we can get the job done.”

Another angle to consider with Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12 is the potential impact on Mallory’s development and role with the team moving forward. As a second-year player, Mallory is still learning the nuances of the NFL, and every snap on the field is an opportunity to grow. Being inactive for a key game could be a setback, but it could also serve as motivation for him to improve and earn back his spot in the lineup. The Indianapolis Colts have a history of developing young players, and Steichen has emphasized that personnel decisions are not permanent but rather based on what’s best for the team in the moment. Mallory has shown growth throughout the season, and if he continues to work hard, he will likely regain his role in the offense. For the Colts, this decision is also a chance to evaluate their other tight ends in a high-pressure situation, which could help them make better roster decisions in the future. If the backup tight ends perform well in Week 12, it could give the coaching staff more confidence to rotate players more frequently down the stretch, keeping everyone fresh for the playoffs. This kind of depth and flexibility is crucial for teams looking to make a deep postseason run, and the Colts are using this opportunity to test their own resilience.

Looking ahead, Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12 could be a pivotal moment in the Colts’ season, depending on how the team responds. A win in Week 12 would solidify their position in the playoff race and validate the coaching staff’s personnel decision, while a loss could raise concerns about the team’s ability to adapt to key absences. For Mallory, the focus will be on returning to the lineup as soon as possible and continuing to contribute to the team’s success. The Indianapolis Colts organization has made it clear that they value Mallory’s talent and potential, and this inactive week is likely just a temporary blip in his development. As the season progresses, the Colts will need all of their players—including Mallory—to be ready to step up when called upon, especially as the competition intensifies in the final weeks. For fans, this situation is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where personnel decisions can change the course of a game and a season. Regardless of the outcome in Week 12, the Colts’ ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be a key factor in determining whether they can make a playoff push and compete for a championship. Will Mallory Sits: Indianapolis Colts Tight End Inactive Week 12 is more than just a roster note—it’s a test of the team’s depth, coaching strategy, and resilience in the face of adversity.