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Indianapolis Colts Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
With Hagler out, second-year LB Philip Wheeler will take over as the starter on the strong side. Wheeler was a third-round draft pick in 2008. Undrafted rookie LB Ramon Humber will be his primary backup. The Colts have also signed rookie LB Cody Glenn off their practice squad.
Glenn was a fifth-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins last spring but was released at the end of training camp and was subsequently added to the Indianapolis practice squad.
PLAYER NOTES
--CB Jacob Lacey might make his second career start with CB Kelvin Hayden unable to play this week against Houston. Lacey started the Tennessee game on Oct. 11.
-- DE Josh Thomas re-signed with the Colts.
--S Jamie Silva could be used for a second straight week as the Colts' primary punt returner. Silva had never returned punts in a game until last week against San Francisco.
GAME PLAN: Be more efficient on offense. Play a complete game defensively.
Indianapolis moved the ball against San Francisco last week, but the offense bogged down in the red zone. The Colts had to settle for four field goals and got their only touchdown off a rarely used halfback pass. Better play in the red zone will be a key this week.
Defensively, Indianapolis has to control the Texans by not allowing the big play. Houston likes to roll out its quarterback and use play action to free up receivers downfield. The Colts have to hang in and play their responsibilities. The Texans are going to make some plays. Indianapolis, though, needs to limit those types of plays.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Colts QB Peyton Manning vs. Texans CB Dunta Robinson. Despite throwing for 347 yards in last week's win over San Francisco, Manning wasn't completely satisfied by the performance of the Indianapolis offense. That means that he'll be loaded for bear against Houston. Robinson, meanwhile, is arguably the Texans' best cornerback.
--Texans RDE Mario Williams vs. Colts LOT Charlie Johnson. Williams has come into his own the last couple of seasons as one of the best defensive ends in the league. Johnson has played well as the starter at left offensive tackle since earning the job during the offseason.
--Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Texans CB Jacques Reeves. Wayne has played well against Reeves in the past. The former Purdue cornerback enjoys coming back to Indiana to play in front of friends and former teammates.
INJURY IMPACT:
--RB Donald Brown (shoulder) practiced Wednesday and Thursday. His availability for the Houston game will be decided Friday or Saturday.
--WR Reggie Wayne (rest) did not practice Thursday. He did take part in Wednesday's workout. Wayne is expected to start against Houston on Sunday.
--DE Dwight Freeney returned to practice Thursday after being giving a day off Wednesday to rest. He is expected to start against the Texans.
--DE Robert Mathis (rest) did not practice on Thursday. Mathis will start against Houston on Sunday.
-- CB Kelvin Hayden (knee) will miss up to four weeks, according to the Indianapolis Star.
-- S Bob Sanders (elbow) will need surgery, according to coach Jim Caldwell, who didn't speculate on how long Sanders will be out of action. Caldwell said the team should know more "within the next 24 hours," according to the Indianapolis Star.
-- CB Marlin Jackson (knee) was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Multiple reports said Jackson tore his ACL during the final play of Wednesday's practice.
-- WR Anthony Gonzalez's status for the remainder of the season is in doubt after the team announced Friday that he has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Gonzalez hasn't played since spraining ligaments in his knee in the season opener, but had been expected to return at some point - now that is uncertain.
--S Jamie Silva (hip) did not practice on Thursday. Silva's chances of playing against Houston won't be decided until Friday or Saturday.
--PK Adam Vinatieri (knee) will not play against the Texans on Sunday.
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