INDIANAPOLIS —The Indianapolis Colts will officially be without two key pieces of their fronts — both offensively and defensively — in their Week 2 matchup.
Head coach Frank Reich told reporters today that left tackle Anthony Castonzo and defensive tackle Denico Autry will not play in Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField.
While Castonzo, who has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury, did not play in last week's season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was confident prior to Wednesday's practice that he would be able to play against the Redskins.
But Reich confirmed that Castonzo suffered a setback later in the day on Wednesday in practice, and did not participate in practice on Thursday or today.
Reich is hopeful that it was a minor setback for Castonzo, and said he was not a candidate to go on injured reserve at this time.
Autry, meanwhile, was limited in Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, but did not practice Thursday or today. The Colts' starting three-technique along the defensive line, Autry was credited with one tackle in the season opener against the Bengals.
With Castonzo out of the lineup on Sunday, the team has a few options — all of which affect what the team decides to do at right tackle, as well.
Third-year veteran Joe Haeg got the start in Castonzo's place last Sunday against the Bengals, while J'Marcus Webb started at right tackle. But Webb would suffer a hamstring injury late in the game that eventually resulted in him being placed on IR. Le'Raven Clark could also be an option at left tackle, with Haeg moving back over to right tackle, or the team could decide to start rookie Braden Smith — who was selected in the second round of this year's NFL Draft as a guard — at right tackle and keep Haeg on the left side.
With Autry out, meanwhile, the Colts could turn to Grover Stewart or Hassan Ridgeway to get the start at defensive tackle alongside Al Woods. Defensive end Tarell Basham also got some snaps inside for the Colts' defense Week 1 against the Bengals, and could be an option against the Redskins.
Reich said that tackle/guard Denzelle Good (knee/wrist) and cornerback Chris Milton (concussion) also will not play on Sunday at Washington.
Marlon Mack questionable
The other big injury question for the Colts heading into Sunday's game against the Redskins is the availability of running back Marlon Mack.
Mack, who has also been battling a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Week 1 matchup against the Bengals, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was upgraded to a full participant status today.
Mack is officially questionable for the game.
"He looked good," Reich said today of Mack's progress. "He's got that explosiveness, that quickness. He's really made good progress. Feel confident for the game that if Marlon is up, ready to go, we will use him accordingly."
Injury report
Here's Friday's full practice report; included is their status for Sunday's game (if applicable):
» DNP: DT/DE Denico Autry (ankle; out); T Anthony Castonzo (hamstring; out); S Clayton Geathers (knee; questionable); T/G Denzelle Good (knee/wrist; out); CB Chris Milton (concussion; out)
» Limited: None
» Full: WR Ryan Grant (chest); RB Marlon Mack (hamstring; questionable); DT Grover Stewart (shoulder; questionable)
