Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs

Hours before the Indianapolis Colts took the field against the Kansas City Chiefs in a high-stakes AFC showdown, the team announced a notable roster adjustment: offensive lineman Luke Tenuta had been scratched from the game-day lineup. Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs is a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, as Tenuta had been a key reserve along the Colts’ offensive line this season, providing depth at both tackle and guard. For a Colts team already navigating minor injuries on the line, Tenuta’s absence adds a layer of uncertainty heading into a matchup against the Chiefs’ fearsome pass rush—led by defensive end Chris Jones, who has 6 sacks this season. Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs isn’t just a one-game roster move; it highlights the delicate balance NFL teams face with depth, especially at positions as critical as offensive line. This article explores the reasons behind Tenuta’s scratch, how the Colts plan to compensate for his absence, and what it means for their chances against the Chiefs.

Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs was confirmed by Colts head coach Shane Steichen during his pregame press conference, where he cited a “minor lower-body injury” as the primary reason for the decision. Steichen emphasized that the scratch was precautionary, noting Tenuta had practiced on a limited basis earlier in the week but was not fully cleared to play in a physical matchup against the Chiefs. “Luke has been a valuable part of our O-line rotation, but we want to make sure he’s 100fore we put him back out there,” Steichen said. “With the Chiefs’ pass rush, we need guys who can move freely and hold their own, and Luke just wasn’t quite there today.” Tenuta, a third-year player out of Virginia Tech, has appeared in 8 games for the Colts this season, mostly as a reserve tackle. He filled in for starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing just one pressure in 32 snaps—a performance that earned him praise from offensive line coach Chris Strausser. While Steichen didn’t specify how long Tenuta might be sidelined, the precautionary nature of the scratch suggests he could return as early as next week against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs creates an immediate need for the Colts to shore up their offensive line depth, particularly at tackle. Tenuta’s ability to play both left and right tackle made him a versatile reserve, capable of stepping in if either Raimann (left tackle) or Braden Smith (right tackle) needed a break or suffered an injury. Without him, the Colts’ backup options at tackle are limited to rookie seventh-round pick Jake Witt and veteran Dennis Kelly—both of whom have seen minimal game action this season. Witt, who played college football at Northern Michigan, has appeared in just 2 games in 2024, mostly on special teams, while Kelly, a 12-year veteran, was signed to the practice squad in October and promoted to the active roster last week. The Colts could also shift guard Quenton Nelson to tackle in an emergency, though that would create a gap at left guard—where Nelson has been a Pro Bowl-caliber player for years. “Depth is everything on the O-line, and losing Luke means we have to be smart with rotations,” Strausser said. “Our backups have prepared hard, and we’re confident they can step up if needed.” For the Colts, avoiding injuries to their starting linemen against the Chiefs will be even more critical now, as Tenuta’s scratch leaves them with little room for error.

Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs puts additional pressure on the Indianapolis Colts’ starting offensive line to stay on the field and perform at a high level against the Chiefs’ aggressive defense. Raimann and Smith, the starting tackles, will likely play nearly every snap on offense—something they’ve done in most games this season, but a challenge against a Chiefs pass rush that averages 3.2 sacks per game (tied for 5th in the NFL). The Chiefs’ defensive scheme often uses Jones to line up against the opposing team’s weakest lineman, and with Tenuta sidelined, Jones could target Witt or Kelly if either enters the game. The Indianapolis Colts’ starting offensive line has been solid this season, allowing just 18 sacks in 10 games (tied for 8th-fewest in the NFL), but they’ll face their toughest test yet against Jones and a Chiefs defense that ranks 6th in total defense. “Our starters know they have to be sharp today,” Raimann said. “We can’t afford to let up, especially with Luke out. We need to protect Anthony [Richardson] and open holes for Jonathan [Taylor]—that’s our job.” For Richardson, the Colts’ second-year quarterback, having a healthy and consistent offensive line is crucial, as he’s still developing his pocket presence and tends to scramble when under pressure. A breakdown in protection could lead to turnovers or missed scoring opportunities against a Chiefs team that excels at capitalizing on opponent mistakes.

Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs also forces the Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff to adjust their game plan to minimize the impact of their depleted O-line depth. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has already signaled that the Colts may rely more on short passes and quick releases to get the ball out of Richardson’s hands faster, reducing the time the offensive line needs to block. They could also use more “12 personnel” (two tight ends) and “21 personnel” (two running backs) to add extra blockers, which would help neutralize the Chiefs’ pass rush but might limit the Colts’ ability to stretch the field with wide receivers. The Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff to adjust their game plan may also call more running plays early in the game, as Taylor (who has 890 rushing yards this season) can help control the clock and keep the Chiefs’ defense off the field. “We have to play to our strengths and limit the time our O-line is in tough situations,” Cooter said. “That means being efficient on offense, converting third downs, and not putting ourselves in long-yardage spots where the Chiefs can tee off on the pass rush.” These adjustments won’t be easy— the Chiefs have one of the league’s best run defenses, allowing just 85 rushing yards per game—but they’re necessary to compensate for Tenuta’s absence.

Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs concludes with the Indianapolis Colts’ need to capitalize on other strengths to overcome the O-line depth challenge and secure a win against the Chiefs. While Tenuta’s scratch is a setback, the Colts still have plenty of weapons to lean on: Taylor’s rushing ability, a tight end group that includes Kylen Granson and Irv Smith Jr. (who have combined for 65 catches and 7 touchdowns), and a defense that ranks 10th in sacks (22) and 12th in interceptions (8). The Indianapolis Colts’ need to capitalize on other strengths means their defense must generate pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, forcing him into quick decisions and turnovers. It also means Richardson must be accurate with his short and intermediate passes, using his tight ends and slot receivers to move the chains without relying on long, time-consuming drives. “We’re not making excuses—we have a talented team, and we need to play like it,” Steichen said. “Luke’s out, but the guys who are in the lineup have worked hard for this opportunity. Now it’s time to step up.” For the Colts, a win against the Chiefs would solidify their position as an AFC contender and show they can adapt to adversity. Luke Tenuta Scratched from Indianapolis Colts Lineup vs. Chiefs is a reminder that NFL games are won not just by talent, but by resilience—and the Colts will need plenty of that to come out on top.