Colts have early advantage over Dolphins after final injury report

Peter Miller

Colts have early advantage over Dolphins after final injury report image

The Indianapolis Colts open their season on Sunday afternoon, hosting the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

Indy is in desperate need of a season-opening win, both to prove to their fanbase there’s reasons for optimism this season and to snap an over decade-long Week 1 losing streak. With the game just under two days away, the Colts already have an early advantage on the injury front. 

Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared Friday that no players were ruled out of the contest with Miami. Only running back Tyler Goodson (elbow) appeared on the injury report.

A clean bill of health gives Indianapolis an early edge over the visitors, who come in more banged up. Most notably for Miami, tight end Darren Waller (hip) suffered a setback in his recovery and both wide receiver Tyreek Hill (oblique/calf) and running back De’Von Achane (calf) are both “on track” to play, meaning the Dolphins offense will probably have their best available options on the field, even if not at full health.

But the injuries don’t stop there. Compared to the Colts, who have just one player listed on the injury report, Miami listed 12 different players on their practice report this week. In the end, five Dolphins received designations, with three players being ruled out. 

Waller, running back Jaylen Wright (knee) and cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring) will not suit up. Both offensive guard James Daniels (ankle) and wide receiver Dee Eskridge (concussion) are questionable.

Clearly, Indianapolis must take advantage of their superior health, as not winning the season opener for a twelfth year in a row against a hobbled opponent would spell disaster for the rest of their season, a season with too much on the line already. 

Peter Miller

Peter Miller is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is pursuing a degree in sports media from Indiana University-Bloomington. He is a contributor for the Hoosier Network, covering the Indianapolis Colts and Hoosier athletics. He has experience as a credentialed reporter at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and is an NFL Draft enthusiast.