INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts (3-0) will be shorthanded this weekend in a tough, intriguing matchup against the Los Angeles Rams (2-1), in which the Colts' legitimacy could be stamped.
On Friday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen ruled out starting slot cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles), their top deep threat in wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion), and starting right guard Matt Goncalves (toe).
The Rams have their own health issues, although no one is expected to be out. Players such as receiver Davante Adams, right tackle Rob Havenstein, and left guard Steve Avila have missed some practice time this week.
Here's how each team's health is shaping up ahead of Sunday afternoon's battle:
COLTS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — DT DeForest Buckner (back), G Matt Goncalves (toe), CB Xavien Howard (rest), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion), P Rigoberto Sanchez (personal)
THURSDAY
- Did Not Participate — G Matt Goncalves (toe), WR Anthony Gould (illness), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion), DT Grover Stewart (rest)
- Limited Participant — DT DeForest Buckner (back), OT Braden Smith (heel)
- Full Participant — CB Xavien Howard (rest), P Rigoberto Sanchez (personal)
FRIDAY
- Did Not Participate — DT DeForest Buckner (back/rest), G Matt Goncalves (toe), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion)
- Limited Participant — DE Samson Ebukam (rest), WR Anthony Gould (illness)
- Full Participant — CB Xavien Howard (rest), P Rigoberto Sanchez (personal), OT Braden Smith (heel), DT Grover Stewart (rest)
QUESTIONABLE — DT DeForest Buckner (back), WR Anthony Gould (illness)
OUT — G Matt Goncalves (toe), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion)
While Buckner is questionable, he did tell reporters this week that the team has a plan to maintain his back injury and that he feels he should be ready to play on Sunday. Likewise with Gould, he missed Thursday's practice with an illness but returned in a limited fashion on Friday.
In Goncalves' role, Steichen confirmed that it will likely by Dalton Tucker getting the start. The second-year undrafted lineman played 464 snaps as a rookie.
With Moore out, it will be a mix of Mekhi Blackmon and Mike Hilton in the slot. The Colts just signed Hilton to the practice squad this week, so Blackmon will likely get more work.
In Pierce's role, Steichen confirmed that AD Mitchell will see increased snaps, although history says we should expect to see more Ashton Dulin as well.
RAMS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle)
- Limited Participant — G Steve Avila (ankle), G Justin Dedich (chest), DL Braden Fiske (oblique), S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
THURSDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle)
- Limited Participant — G Steve Avila (ankle), G Justin Dedich (chest), TE Tyler Higbee (hip), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
- Full Participant — DL Braden Fiske (oblique), S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder)
FRIDAY
- Did Not Participate — TE Tyler Higbee (hip), OT Alaric Jackson (rest), WR Puka Nacua (rest)
- Limited Participant — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
- Full Participant — G Steve Avila (ankle), G Justin Dedich (chest), DE Braden Fiske (oblique), S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder)
QUESTIONABLE — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle), TE Tyler Higbee (hip), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
The biggest question marks for Los Angeles were Adams, Havenstein, and Avila, but all were present on Friday to some degree and won't be ruled out. Per Nate Atkins of The Athletic, all active Rams players should be available on Sunday.
The Colts and Rams play this Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Cal. at 4:05 p.m. E.T. on FOX.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.