The Indianapolis Colts ruled out right tackle Braden Smith and cornerback Xavier Rhodes ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Friday that Smith and Rhodes won’t be available for Sunday’s game after not practicing all week. Smith suffered a foot injury during the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks while Rhodes hasn’t been able to practice since the regular season started.
Officially ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Rams: Braden Smith, Xavier Rhodes.
Eric Fisher could make his Colts debut. Team will decide in the next 48 hours after seeing how his Achilles responds and watches his practice tape.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 17, 2021
Losing Smith is a big loss for the offensive line. Even though he allowed six pressures in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus, Smith is a key part of the offensive line on the right side and has been since he took over a the starter in 2018 as a rookie.
With Smith out, the Colts will have to make some adjustments dealing with pressure from a stout Rams front, and it is likely to be Matt Pryor who steps in at right tackle.
Rhodes misses his second game in a row dealing with a calf injury. It isn’t clear when he’ll be able to return. Third-year cornerback Rock Ya-Sin is expected to take his place on the outside.
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