How Injuries Shape the Colts-Chiefs Week 2 Run-Game Battle
Summary: This preview explains how the Colts-Chiefs Week 2 Sunday night matchup could be decided on the ground, with Jonathan Taylor running into a stingy Kansas City defense and Kenneth Walker III giving the Chiefs a new rushing threat.
The Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs meet in the Week 2 Sunday night slot with an injury report that could reshape the game before kickoff. According to ClutchPoints' Week 2 preview, the Colts are coming off a 41-23 loss to a remade Baltimore Ravens team, and that game was as physical as the score suggested.
Why the Colts Need Jonathan Taylor
If Indianapolis is going to battle the Chiefs for 60 minutes, much of the work will fall on running back Jonathan Taylor. In the loss to Baltimore, Taylor rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. That gives the Colts a useful template: keep Taylor involved, control the pace, and avoid asking the passing game to carry too much.
The problem is the opponent. Kansas City's defense has allowed just 176 total yards and 61 rushing yards so far. If that front plays the same way Sunday night, Taylor's lanes will be tight.
The Colts' receiving depth is also banged up. Wide receiver Alec Pierce has a heel issue and missed practice Thursday. Ashton Dulin did not practice Wednesday or Thursday with an ankle injury. Running back D.J. Giddens also missed practice with a knee injury. If Pierce or Dulin are limited, the passing attack loses outside options.
Chiefs Injuries Cloud the Other Side
Kansas City has its own injury concerns. Left tackle Josh Simmons missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a back issue. Starting strong safety Chamarri Conner missed both days with a knee injury. Star defensive tackle Chris Jones was limited both days by a calf injury, and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was a full participant Wednesday but limited Thursday with a knee problem.
Jones' status matters most. A limited Chris Jones is still disruptive, but a calf injury can reduce his push on inside runs. If he is not near full speed, Taylor's job becomes a little easier. If Jones plays well, the Colts' running room shrinks further.
The New Face in Kansas City's Backfield
The Chiefs have their own running threat in Kenneth Walker III. The former Seahawk was the MVP of Super Bowl LX last February and then produced a striking debut for Kansas City: 23 carries, 173 yards and a touchdown. That changes the shape of the game.
Indianapolis now has to respect the run even when Kansas City is in obvious passing situations. If Walker controls stretches of the clock, the Colts face more pressure to be aggressive through the air without a fully healthy receiving group.
The Sunday night result may come down to which team handles the injury report and wins the rushing battle.