It has been a confusing week of practice for the Indianapolis Colts as they prepare for their AFC South rival Tennessee Titans.
A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday, Oct. 9 said wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was expected to miss multiple weeks due to a back injury.
However, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reported from Friday's practice that Pittman participated and has not been ruled out of the Colts’ game against the Titans.
The same is true of fellow wide receiver Josh Downs, who also missed Wednesday and Thursdays practices.
While Indianapolis’ wide receiving corps is looking promising yet confusing, head coach Shane Steichen did officially rule out starting running back Jonathan Taylor for the second straight week.
That leaves limited options for safe bets in terms of the Colts’ relationship with fantasy football, especially without a solidified No. 1 tight end.
So, let’s take a look at Indianapolis’ starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Colts’ defense.
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Anthony Richardson
The second-year starter out of Florida has missed the last game and a half due to an oblique injury, and backup quarterback Joe Flacco has looked good enough in Richardson’s absence. However, it is looking more and more likely that Richardson will return to his starting duties against Tennessee this Sunday after recording a limited practice Wednesday, a full practice Thursday and a limited practice Friday.
No matter who starts under center for Indianapolis against the Titans is in for a tough matchup, not appealing well to those with Richardson on their fantasy roster. Tennessee’s pass defense has allowed the fewest yards and tied for the third-fewest touchdowns in the NFL through five games.
In terms of fantasy points allowed, the Titans have surrendered an average of 14.90 points to opposing quarterbacks. That’s why Richardson ranks as the 15th-best option for fantasy quarterbacks in Week 6, according to ESPN.
Even if the Colts are destined to lean toward a more pass-heavy offense as a result of Taylor’s injury, that may lead to more turnovers and incompletions for Richardson.
Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Colts Defense/Special Teams
Yes, you read this right. Even though Indianapolis has one of the five worst defenses in the NFL, surrendering the third-most passing fantasy points per game, ninth-most rushing fantasy points per game, fourth-most passing yards and third-most rushing yards through five games, the Titans’ offense is so lackluster that it may be worth giving the Colts defense a chance this week.
ESPN ranks Indianapolis as the fifth-best defensive option for fantasy this week, mostly due to the fact that Tennessee’s offense ranks in the bottom five for both passing and rushing yards, as well as passing and rushing touchdowns.
The Colts will be without All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II’s status is questionable and defensive end Kwity Paye is expected to return, but Indianapolis has had to deal with injuries all season.
The Titans’ starting quarterback Will Levis is set to return to action this week after missing a portion of Week 4’s contest against the Miami Dolphins, but the former Kentucky Wildcat leads the league with six interceptions.
Despite Indianapolis’ defensive struggles leading to an average of 24.4 points per game, the 2-3 Colts have collected three interceptions, forced six fumbles and earned 10 sacks this season.
Verdict: Start ‘Em
