The 6-8 Indianapolis Colts currently sit in second place in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans, who have already clinched the division and eighth overall in the AFC Playoff Picture. The Colts’ only real shot at making it to the playoffs is by taking the 7th seed. To secure the 7th seed, they must win out, defeating the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Los Angeles Chargers lose two of their last three games. However, with a loss to the Titans and a Chargers victory over the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, the Colts would be eliminated from playoff contention.
For the Colts to win their final three games of the regular season, the pass defense must be on their A-game. Similar to the rush defense, the pass defense has struggled tremendously all season long. They have given up the eighth-most completions, the tenth-most passing yards, T-sixteenth most passing touchdowns, and T-twelfth most passing first downs.
The Indianapolis Colts’ promising second-year defensive back has struggled to stay healthy in his first two seasons
The Colts’ promising second-year defensive back JuJu Brents has battled many injuries, which have caused him to miss 21 out of 31 possible games in his first two seasons in the NFL. Brents started in their season opener against the Houston Texans and played 62 defensive snaps, but he tweaked his knee and suffered a significant MCL injury. He underwent knee surgery before Week 2 as the Colts placed him on injured reserve, assuming he would miss the rest of the season, but held onto the possibility of him being available in December.
He is inching closer to a return
On X, the Indianapolis Colts announced via head coach Shane Steichen that they designated JuJu Brents for return from injured reserve, effectively opening his 21-day practice window. Brents is expected to return to practice this week, as he is one step closer to a return. The former second-round pick may play the final three games of the regular season.
Per Coach Steichen, JuJu Brents has been designated to return to practice. pic.twitter.com/yPXOuvhmGz
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 18, 2024
Who replaced JuJu Brents in the starting lineup?
Although Colts’ elite nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II plays on the outside in base settings and is starting 12 games this season, Samuel Womack III has effectively replaced Brents on the outside. Womack has done a nice job in his first season in Indianapolis, with one interception and eight pass deflections while allowing 277 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 93.9 passer rating in coverage. He also boasts an impressive 72.9 coverage grade and a 74.2 overall PFF grade.
