Will Dallis Flowers and Kenny Moore II be available for the Colts in their game against the Steelers? Update on the cornerbacks’ injury status.
Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have consistently found ways to win, with Tomlin often likened to a TV hero like MacGyver for his ability to build successful teams. Quarterback Justin Fields, while posting a modest stat line in his last game (one touchdown, one interception, 245 passing yards, and a 96 QB rating), has demonstrated his knack for making key plays.
Meanwhile, the Colts’ defense will need to replicate their strong performance against Caleb Williams, where they sacked him four times and forced a fumble, to put pressure on Fields.
How are the Indianapolis Colts entering this game?
The Colts’ secondary will be challenged again by Fields, who has formidable targets in receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin, both of whom had strong performances in their last games. Indianapolis allowed over 100 receiving yards to Washington’s Romad Dun, with a significant portion coming from a late-game “Hail Mary” pass. The Colts need to tighten their coverage, especially against the Steelers’ physical receiving corps.
With Kenny Moore II and Chris Lammons both not practicing, Dallis Flowers’ availability will be critical for the Colts’ secondary against the Steelers. Flowers was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report and seems to be back to full health after leaving the Week 3 win over the Bears due to a leg issue. It will be important to monitor his status throughout the week. If Moore is unable to play, the team may need to make adjustments at cornerback, considering options like Samuel Womack III or Chris Lammons. Fortunately for the Colts, the Steelers have a relatively shallow receiving corps this week.
Indianapolis’ pass rush could play a crucial role in the game. Last week, they successfully sacked Williams multiple times and limited Chicago’s rushing attack to just 2.3 yards per carry. However, they will face a different challenge with Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris, who rushed for 70 yards in his last game after a slow start. Containing both Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson will be essential if the Colts aim to keep the Steelers’ offense under control.
Jonathan Taylor, the workhorse for Indianapolis, heads into the game after two consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. His 110 yards and two touchdowns last week against Chicago were crucial to the Colts’ victory. With Taylor in peak form, the Colts might focus on the ground game to test a Pittsburgh defense that recently held JK Dobbins to just 44 rushing yards.
Pittsburgh’s defense, particularly its secondary, will pose a significant challenge for Richardson and the Colts’ wide receivers. Colts’ wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs have been dependable targets but will need to find ways to create separation against a Steelers secondary that has been performing exceptionally well.
