INDIANAPOLIS – Chuck Pagano was in a jovial mood on Friday, with preparation for the Titans complete.
The final injury report of the week saw TE-Dwayne Allen (ankle), CB-Darius Butler (hip) and CB-Greg Toler (neck) ruled OUT for Sunday's contest in Tennessee.
Here are a few sound bites from Robert Mathis and Chuck Pagano meeting the media on Friday:
Outside Linebacker Robert Mathis on his excitement for more playing time Sunday:
"Very much so."
Bowen's Analysis:* *The playing time for Mathis this week is expected to increase, after he played 13 snaps on Monday (almost all on obvious passing downs). With Trent Cole not practicing on Friday, Mathis might even be in the starting lineup if Cole can't go Sunday.
Mathis did address the ESPN report that the Colts all-time sack leader had 10 total surgeries for his Achilles injury, due to rehab. "Put to sleep, had to get it cut 10 times," Mathis said, confirming the report, on Friday. It's remarkable Mathis is back playing at an NFL level, considering the arduous recovery.Chuck Pagano on the Colts cornerback depth this weekend:
"They aren't going to cancel the game….so whoever we have suited up, they are going to roll."
Bowen's Analysis: The Colts starting cornerbacks on Sunday will be Vontae Davis and Jalil Brown. After that…it's anyone's guess.
Likely nickel cornerback Sheldon Price missed Friday's practice and was waived-injured later on Friday. The Colts then elevated Eric Patterson from the practice squad. Patterson played on Monday night. That means Josh Thomas, who has NFL experience, but joined the team on Tuesday, will likely play. The Titans aren't an explosive passing team from a quantity standpoint but the Colts cornerback depth is going to be tested once again this weekend.Chuck Pagano on running back Frank Gore:
"The guy is a special running back. Like Pep (Hamilton) said yesterday, the guy can create his own yards."
Bowen's Analysis: The Colts are going to see a Titans defense that might not have the reputation of a Buffalo or New York, but still ranks fourth in the NFL in yards allowed.
I would be shocked if Gore doesn't get a chance to right his wrong from Monday night. The flashes from Gore are obvious and it's only a matter of time before he becomes the Colts' first 100-yard rusher since 2012. Does that happen Sunday?
INJURY NOTES
Here is the final injury report for Titans week:
- OUT: TE-Dwayne Allen (ankle), CB-Darius Butler (hip), CB-Greg Toler (neck)
-Neither Allen nor Butler practiced this week. Chuck Pagano said he hopes to have Butler back for Jacksonville next week. Toler was limited throughout practice this week, participating in a red (non-contact) jersey.
- QUESTIONABLE: OLB-Trent Cole (knee), CB-Vontae Davis (concussion), CB-Sheldon Price (ankle)
-Cole was injured in Thursday's practice and didn't participate at all on Friday. Davis is going to play on Sunday, according to Pagano. Price was waived/injured on Friday.
- PROBABLE: ILB-D'Qwell Jackson (rest), WR-Andre Johnson (rest), OG-Lance Louis (shoulder), OLB-Robert Mathis (Achilles), OLB-Jonathan Newsome (hamstring), OLB-Bjoern Werner (rest)
-Louis progressed from not practicing on Wednesday, to limited Thursday and then full on Friday.
