Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

After not practicing on Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (knee) returned for Thursday's session. Sermon has operated as Indy's lead back the past two weeks with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) nursing a high-ankle sprain, and he could have that role again if Taylor is unable to return to practice this week. The 25-year-old found the end zone in Week 5 but accumulated only 67 rushing yards on 28 carries (2.39 yards per carry) in the starting role the last two weeks. The Colts' backfield is up in the air right now with Sermon and Taylor both being questionable to play. If neither of them can go, look for the Colts to split the backfield work between Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. If Sermon plays again and Taylor doesn't he'll be an RB3/flex, at best, for fantasy managers.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) are both practicing on Thursday after picking up DNP tags on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs both missed two practices last week and were up in the air to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, but they both suited up and found the end zone. Pittman said after Sunday's win that he could still land on Injured Reserve due to his back injury, but the fact he's practicing on Thursday this week is a good sign that he'll be ready to roll this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, Pittman played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps last week and caught just three passes for 35 yards. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) looking likely to return this weekend, the bust potential for both Pittman and Downs will increase.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is unsure if he'll be able to practice at all this week. Taylor said being able to do the necessary movements is the biggest hurdle for his return to game action for the Colts. The 25-year-old was unable to practice on Wednesday and has missed the last two games with a right high-ankle sprain. He's going to need to get back on the practice field this week in order to have a shot at playing in Week 7 versus the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Trey Sermon (knee), who has been underwhelming as the team's lead back the last two weeks with Taylor out, is also dealing with an injury now and could miss Sunday's game, which would push Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull into expanded workloads. Taylor was optimistic about his chances of returning in Week 7 earlier this week, but now he doesn't seem as certain.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.

Indianapolis Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Taylor has been sidelined over the past two games with an ankle sprain. Sermon suffered this knee injury in last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during the week as they have two more opportunities to return to practice. In Taylor's absence, Sermon has taken the lead in the Indianapolis backfield and averaged a modest 33.5 yards per game with six total receptions for 25 receiving yards. If Taylor is able to play, he should be locked into all starting lineups. If not, Sermon remains a low-end flex option.