The Indianapolis Colts listed 16 players on their initial injury report Wednesday as they prepared for Sunday’s game against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
Eleven players did not practice. Five others were limited. The group includes a mix of new ailments, ongoing issues and rest designations for several veterans.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner did not practice after suffering a mild calf strain in last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that an MRI confirmed the mild nature of the injury and that Gardner is considered week-to-week. Rapoport said Gardner is expected to miss some time but not an extended period.
Tight end Tyler Warren also sat out practice with a groin injury. Warren missed Sunday’s game after being added to the injury report late last week.
Punter Rigoberto Sanchez did not practice because of a foot injury suffered against the Titans. The Colts responded by signing veteran Thomas Morstead to the practice squad as depth.
Linebacker Bryce Boettcher missed practice with a groin injury. Fellow linebacker Jaylon Carlies was limited as he continues recovering from a rib injury that kept him out of the previous two games.
Austin Ajiake was limited while undergoing a concussion evaluation. Wide receiver Anthony Gould did not practice after entering the concussion protocol.
The cornerback room also included Justin Walley, who did not practice with a knee injury, and Charvarius Ward, who sat out for rest. Wide receiver Keenan Allen was another rest designation and did not practice.
On the offensive line, Matt Goncalves (ankle) and Drew Ogletree (ankle) did not practice. Jalen Travis was limited with a foot injury.
Running back Jonathan Taylor was limited as part of a rest day. Wide receiver Ashton Dulin was limited with a hamstring injury as he works back from missing two games. Defensive tackle Jerry Tillery was absent for personal reasons.
The Colts enter the week at 2-4 after a 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Titans. The defeat led to the firing of general manager Chris Ballard on Monday.
Indianapolis is allowing 27.3 points per game, ranking among the league’s lower defenses. The Vikings arrive at 5-0 and allow just 12.8 points per game, the best mark in the NFL.
The secondary and linebacker groups face particular depth concerns heading into the matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium. Additional practice reports later in the week will clarify availability for Sunday.
