INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts hit the practice field on Monday morning after a weekend off. Today's news looks at Erik Walden's status, an award for Antoine Bethea, the Colts offensive success and a preview of Bruce Arians' Cardinals.
Take a look below at the top pieces fromTuesday, November 19th.**Colts LB Walden to appeal suspension**By: Mike Chappell, Indy Star
After some hours of speculation, the Colts received the news on the status of Erik Walden for this weekend.
"Erik has been suspended for one game and he will be appealing it with the league as soon as possible," Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said in a text to The Star.
Fox Sports first reported the league's intent to suspend Walden. The Colts learned about the suspension around 5 p.m.
Walden's appeal is allowed under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement and must be issued within three business days for an expedited hearing. Appeals are heard and ruled on by either Matt Birk or Ted Cottrell, hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and players union.
**S Antoine Bethea named Colts Man of the Year**By: Mike Chappell, Indy Star
At the end of Chuck Pagano's press conference on Monday afternoon, the head coach welcomed Antoine Beteha to the podium.
Antoine Bethea, a defensive cornerstone on the field for the Colts, has been cited for his commitment off the field.
The veteran safety has been selected the team's Man of the Year. That places him in the running for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which will be announced prior to Super Bowl XLVIII. It recognizes a player's community service and leadership.
"There's a lot of guys in this locker room and this organization that do a lot for the community ... so for me to be named is definitely an honor, and (it's) a blessing to be in a position to give back, to help people less fortunate," Bethea said.
**Colts' offense shows signs of life**By: George Bremer, The Herald Bulletin
Bremer looks at how the Colts offense has evolved since Reggie Wayne's injury, with a focus on the emergence of Coby Fleener.
"I would say that guys are kind of understanding that they're going to need to grow a little bit faster than they may have anticipated," tight end Coby Fleener said last week, when asked whether the offense is beginning to find its identity without Wayne. "With Reggie out there, there's a constant threat of him making a big play. Now you kind of see that T.Y. (Hilton) can step up into that role or Darrius Heyward-Bey can step up into that role. I think for the Colts going forward, it's just a matter of us making sure we can do that consistently."
Fleener can be a big part of that picture. He posted career highs with eight catches and 107 yards in the win against the Titans and has 15 receptions for 204 yards in the past three games.
Quarterback Andrew Luck spread the ball around to eight different receivers, including five completions to running back Trent Richardson and one to fullback Stanley Havili. But he made a living working the ball to Fleener on underneath routes, completing seven of nine short-range targets to the tight end for 91 yards.
"I think he's realizing with Reg going down, with (fellow tight end) Dwayne (Allen) being out, that it's a great opportunity this year to really be the guy," Luck told the media Monday. "He's done a great job. His stat line continues to get better and better. His production has been great since he's been here, and he's a great teammate."
**Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals prepare for meaningful game with Indianapolis Colts**By: Bob McManaman, The Arizona Republic
The Colts will see a familiar face on the opposite sidelines this weekend in Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians.
As emotional as this Sunday's game at University of Phoenix Stadium will be for both coaches and their staffs, it's also a very meaningful game for both sides.
"Like our told our guys last week, we are in the playoffs right now. Every game is win or be done," Arians said. "We have to keep pace with everyone we're tied with. We got some help and we kind of control our own destiny in a way, but we have to win every week."
Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers, who spent the previous four seasons with the Colts, predicted Arians won't treat this game any different from any other one, saying the coach will keep his emotions in check.
Is Powers correct?
"No," Arians said definitively. "No, he's not. But I'll hide it very well."
