Colts’ injury report, Week 16: Alec Pierce, E.J. Speed among those inactive against Titans

Who’s inactive for the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 16 home game against the Tennessee Titans?

The Indianapolis Colts released their list of inactive players ahead of Sundays game against the Tennessee Titans. Among those inactive include the list of players below.

Perhaps the two most notable absences for the Colts will be wideout Alec Pierce and linebacker E.J. Speed.

Pierce is having a career year for the Colts, as he’s hauled in 645 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Pierce remains in the league’s concussion protocol, so look for the Colts to possibly turn to rookie AD Mitchell and special teamer Ashton Dulin in Pierce’s absence.

As for Speed, the Colts could likely turn to Grant Stuard to take his place on Sunday. Stuard has started once this season already against the Miami Dolphins and played a key role in Indy coming away with a win.

In more positive news for the Colts, center Ryan Kelly is back in the starting lineup after missing some time with a knee injury. Indianapolis is going to have to do a better job protecting quarterback Anthony Richardson. Having a veteran like Kelly back in the lineup should help the Colts in pass protection.

Rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies is also expected to make his return against Tennessee. The fifth-round pick from April’s draft has shown some flashes in what time he’s seen this season.

With the Colts sitting at 6-8, they must win out to have a chance at making the playoffs. That would have to start Sunday against the Titans, with games against the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars to follow.

It’ll also be interesting to see the continued development of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and second-year head coach Shane Steichen. Both will be crucial down the stretch if Indianapolis hopes to have a chance at not missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season.