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INDIANAPOLIS – For the third straight day, the Colts headed outdoors for practice in preparation for the Steelers.
That practice did not include Reggie Wayne or Trent Richardson, as neither has participated all week.
Here's a rundown of what Chuck Pagano and Hakeem Nicks had to say to the media on Sunday:
Chuck Pagano on facing the Steelers this weekend:
"It's going to be a huge, huge challenge.
"It's a great opportunity, but a huge challenge for our football team."
Bowen's Analysis: The Colts reach the midway point of the season with a road trip to Pittsburgh. The 4:25 p.m. kickoff on Sunday means the Colts will be seen nationally the next two weeks, in road contests, versus teams currently hovering around .500.
A bye awaits the Colts in Week 10, and the opportunity is there to create some serious momentum heading into the second half of the season. After next week, the Colts won't play another road contest until December so the next two weeks provides chances to see what this team could potentially see away from home in the playoffs.
Chuck Pagano on Boom Herron seeing more action, if Trent Richardson cannot play:
"He's explosive. He's got good vision. He's a north-south runner.
"He sees a hole and he hits it. I've got all the confidence in the world in Boom."
Bowen's Analysis: If Richardson doesn't go on Sunday, it will be interesting to see what the Colts do with just two healthy running backs currently on the 53-man roster (Ahmad Bradshaw and Boom Herron).
Herron has produced at every chance given during his time in Indianapolis. If Richardson is out, then that means a good amount of first team work is likely coming towards Herron. This is a guy who was the star of the 2014 preseason and can catch the ball out of the backfield.Hakeem Nicks on preparing without Reggie Wayne in the lineup:
"I feel like with the great week of practice that we had, everything went good and I feel like it will be a big one."
Bowen's Analysis: With Wayne ruled out for Sunday, Nicks and rookie Donte Moncrief fall next in line for reps to increase at the receiver position. Nicks had just one target last week as the Colts continue to spread the ball around to their assortment of offensive weapons.
While Nicks' numbers through seven games of 2014 aren't on pace with his past seasons, the six-year vet knew patience would be key in coming to a team loaded on offense. We saw in the preseason versus the Giants what Nicks could do without Wayne and Hilton in the lineup (also against Nicks' former team). Now, Nicks is being asked to step up again. If history is any indicator, these are the games that Nicks tends to play a leading role in.
INJURY NOTES
Here is the Colts final injury report of the week:
-OUT- Reggie Wayne (elbow)
-Wayne did not practice all week and will miss his first game of the 2014 season.
-QUESTIONABLE- Jack Doyle (knee) and Trent Richardson (hamstring)
-Just like Wayne, Richardson did not practice all week. Doyle was a full participant in practice on Friday.
-PROBABLE- Darius Butler (ankle) and Arthur Jones (ankle)
-Pagano said on Friday that expects both Butler and Jones to return to the lineup.
