Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is back on the practice field on Thursday after logging a limited practice on Wednesday. The 2023 first-round pick out of Florida has been oft-injured during his short career, but it sounds like there's a chance he plays and starts against the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. If Richardson is the starter, he'll be without Michael Pittman Jr. (back), who is expected to miss a few weeks. Additionally, Josh Downs (toe) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, meaning he could be out. To make things even more challenging, the Titans have allowed the fewest passing yards per game this season (124.0). However, Tennessee gave up 73 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to Malik Willis and 40 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to Tyler Huntley, so the ground game is Richardson's path to fantasy success. Either way, his floor is lower than expected based on his early-season results. If Richardson can't play, Joe Flacco will get the start, but he's likely to struggle given the Colts' injuries and the matchup against a strong secondary.

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (collarbone) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. With Jonathan Taylor (ankle) sitting out the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars and not practicing yet this week, Sermon's status is worth watching closely. It's looking like Taylor is on track to miss his second straight game in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, so if Sermon gains clearance from his collarbone injury, he would once again operate as the Colts' primary running back this Sunday, with Tyler Goodson backing him up. The 25-year-old came through for fantasy managers that threw him in their lineups last weekend, carrying the ball 10 times for 38 yards and a score while adding six receptions for 25 yards. If Taylor is inactive and Sermon suits up, he'll be in play as an RB3/flex again against the Titans.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) were both absent from practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Pittman could be sidelined multiple weeks with his back injury, so fantasy managers should already be expecting him to miss the Week 6 contest against the division-rival Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Downs' status is a bit less clear, but with two DNPs already this week for him as well, his status is also firmly up in the air for the weekend. Running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) hasn't practiced this week either, so Indy's offense could be missing three of their best playmakers against the Titans. If both Pittman and Downs are unable to play in Week 6, Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell would be the Colts' top-two wideouts for either quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) or Joe Flacco. Pittman is a candidate for Injured Reserve, which would sideline him at least four games.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was not seen at practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Taylor suffered a minor high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn't play in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that he has yet to practice this week doesn't bode well for his chances of returning this Sunday to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Backup Trey Sermon (collarbone) also was a DNP on Wednesday but returning to practice on Thursday, putting him in play to make a second straight start in Week 6. The 25-year-old Taylor said he's not dealing with as much pain in his ankle this week, but it doesn't mean he'll play on Sunday. Sermon had 10 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 25 yards in Taylor's absence last weekend, and he'll once again be in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy if he's active and Taylor is not against Tennessee.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to miss multiple weeks. The Colts have also suggested that Pittman may be placed on injured reserve. Pittman was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful heading into this weekend. This is unfortunate news for fantasy managers as Pittman had just started to come alive. He had at least 113 receiving yards or a touchdown in his last two games. That may be attributed to the presence of quarterback Joe Flacco in the lineup rather than a struggling Anthony Richardson. However, it could be some time before fantasy managers find out if Pittman is able to build on that momentum. Pittman has recorded 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in 2024. For now, fantasy managers will have to stick him in their IR spot and hope for the best.