INDIANAPOLIS —Marlon Mack and Anthony Castonzo were both able to return to the practice field last week after suffering a hamstring injuries about a month ago, but their 2018 regular season debuts will have to wait at least another week.
The Indianapolis Colts running back and left tackle were among the seven players on the inactives list prior to today's 2018 regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both Mack and Castonzo were listed as questionable heading into the game.
Others on the inactives list for today: wide receiver Marcus Johnson, tight end Ryan Hewitt, tackle Le'Raven Clark, tackle/guard Denzelle Good and defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway.
Mack suffered a hamstring injury Aug. 9 in the Colts' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, and missed the rest of training camp and the preseason. He was able to return to the practice field on Thursday and Friday as a limited participant, but the team has decided to be cautious for today's game.
With Mack out today, the Colts will turn to two rookies making their NFL debuts — Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines — as well as veteran Christine Michael at the running back position. Wilkins is expected to get the start today.
Castonzo, meanwhile, suffered a hamstring injury working out on his own before the start of training camp, and started camp on the Colts' Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. After a few days he made his return to the lineup, but he re-aggravated the same hamstring injury on Aug. 3.
The eighth-year veteran missed the entire preseason, but was able to return to the practice field, albeit on a limited basis, on Wednesday. Castonzo was also listed as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday.
With Castonzo out, third-year lineman Joe Haeg is expected to get the start at left tackle, while J'Marcus Webb is expected to get the start at right tackle in Haeg's spot.
