INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich said today that wide receiver Parris Campbell, defensive tackle/end Tyquan Lewis and cornerback Kenny Moore II have been ruled out of Sunday's AFC South Division showdown against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Safety Malik Hooker, meanwhile, has been labeled doubtful for the game, while three other players — cornerback Pierre Desir, defensive end Justin Houston and guard Quenton Nelson — are questionable.
RULED OUT:
» Campbell will miss his second straight game with an abdominal injury suffered Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders. Reich said the 2019 second-round pick underwent a procedure Oct. 4, and he has been working his way back since. Asked this week if he had any update on Campbell, Reich said: "Some good news and making good progress. I'm not sure with him as much (being able to practice this week), but we are keeping things optimistic. We are really encouraged with the direction he is headed." Zach Pascal has taken over Campbell's kick returner duties in his absence, while Deon Cain, Chester Rogers, Pascal and Ashton Dulin could all continue to see added offensive snaps against the Texans.
» Lewis suffered an ankle injury during the second quarter of the Colts' Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons and has not returned since; he did not participate in the first two practices this week, either. With Lewis, a versatile second-year lineman, out of the rotation the last two games, the Colts have mostly used a rotation of Denico Autry, Grover Stewart and Margus Hunt in the defensive interior, while the team has also signed two veteran defensive tackles in Trevon Coley (Oct. 1) and Carl Davis (Oct. 14).
» Moore II suffered a knee injury during the first quarter of the Colts' Week 5 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, but was able to return to post four tackles (one for a loss) with one sack and one quarterback hit. Like fellow starting cornerback Pierre Desir, however, Moore II has come out of the bye week as a non-participant in the Colts' first two practices this week. With Moore II out on Sunday against the Texans — and depending on Desir's availability — then Quincy Wilson or undrafted rookie Shakial Taylor could be in line for snaps at nickel cornerback, while Rock Ya-Sin, Marvell Tell III or Wilson could see more time lined up on the outside. The Colts also have cornerback Deante Burton on their practice squad.
QUESTIONABLE/DOUBTFUL:
» Desir suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of the Colts' Week 5 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but was able to return; he finished with two tackles and a pass defensed in Indy's 19-13 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. But coming out of the bye week, Desir still was a non-participant in the first two days of practice this week. If Desir is limited or can't play Sunday against the Texans, then Rock Ya-Sin, Quincy Wilson, Marvell Tell III or Shakial Taylor could be candidates to get added defensive snaps.
» Hooker on Thursday participated in his first practice since suffering a knee injury Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. With Hooker out, the Colts have mostly turned to Khari Willis and George Odum to take his place at free safety; Willis had nine tackles (one for a loss) and a pass defensed Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders, while Odum had a team-high-tying six tackles and a forced fumble Week 5 against the Chiefs.
» Houston first appeared on the injury report on Thursday, when he was a non-participant with a calf issue. The ninth-year veteran is coming off his best game of the season, as he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after collecting four total tackles (two for a loss) with one sack, two quarterback hits and three hurries Week 5 against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs; his stuff for a loss of one on a late Chiefs 4th-and-1 rushing attempt turned the ball back over to the Colts, who were able to get a key field goal in their 19-13 victory. Should Houston be limited or inactive Sunday against the Texans, then Al-Quadin Muhammad and Ben Banogu could see added snaps in his place; the Colts also have 2019 sixth-round pick Gerri Green on their practice squad if needed.
» Nelson first appeared on the injury report on Friday, and is listed with a hip injury. The All-Pro guard is yet to miss a single snap in his first two NFL seasons, and through five games in 2019, he has the highest Pro Football Focus grade (90.9) of any offensive lineman in the NFL. If Nelson can't play Sunday, other options at left guard include Josh Andrews, Joe Haeg or Le'Raven Clark; the team also has Jake Eldrenkamp on its practice squad if needed.
Injury report
Here is Friday's practice report, with their designation for Sunday's game (if applicable):
» DNP: DT/DE Denico Autry (not injury related; rest); WR Parris Campbell (abdominal; out); T Anthony Castonzo (not injury related; rest); CB Pierre Desir (hamstring; questionable); S Clayton Geathers (not injury related; rest); WR T.Y. Hilton (not injury related; rest); DE Justin Houston (calf; questionable); DT/DE Tyquan Lewis (ankle; out); CB Kenny Moore II (knee; out); G/C Quenton Nelson (hip; questionable); DE Jabaal Sheard (not injury related; rest)
» Limited: N/A
» Full: TE Eric Ebron (illness); LB Zaire Franklin (hamstring); S Malik Hooker (knee; doubtful)
