Colts Get Huge Boosts Before Steelers Game

The Colts will return two key defenders against the Steelers. Starting rookie cornerback JuJu Brents and linebacker E.J. Speed will both play against the Steelers on Saturday in a playoff game for both teams. Whoever loses the game, is likely out. Brents is a long cornerback with exceptional length and could give guys like George Pickens trouble with that, so his inclusion in the lineup should help this Colts’ secondary.

Speed starts next to productive captain Zaire Franklin. But both are expected to play, and Colts head coach Shane Steichen is excited to have both of those players back. The Colts are not a good run defense but need to slow down Mitch Trubisky and the passing offense to keep things close. Pittsburgh has routinely had issues scoring in the red zone, so even if the Colts allow Pittsburgh to drive on the ground, holding them to field goals is a great lifeline in this game.

On the other side, Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor will not play against the Steelers on Saturday.

The team has averaged just 2.5 yards per carry in the two games since Taylor was injured. That matters, although Moss has put together a solid season. He will look to carry the load and help the Colts’ offense and Gardner Minshew dice up this Steelers’ defense.

That’s not the only player that will be out for the Colts. Starting right tackle Braden Smith is out with a knee injury. That means T.J. Watt should see a favorable matchup against the rookie Blake Freeland. However, it will be up to the Steelers to scheme the front well and get Watt those opportunities to blitz one-on-one.