Anthony

Castonzo

Castonzo retires after ten years protecting the blind side of Colts quarterbacks. He was placed on injured reserve last month after season-ending ankle surgery after struggling through injuries for much of the year, including a knee ailment that limited his practice participation in November. Castonzo, who signed a two-year, $33 million contract extension with the Colts last March, was drafted by the team with the 22nd pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Castonzo’s retirement, which frees up around $16 million in cap space, is a major blow to the Indianapolis offensive line -- one the team will need to address in the draft or through free agency.

He’ll be placed on IR and miss Week 17. The Colts will be without Castonzo if they advance to the postseason. It’s a huge loss for an offensive line that’s struggled to keep Philip Rivers healthy. Fortunately for the Colts, they’ll get back RT Braden Smith (COVID-19) this week.

Patmon won’t get a chance to make his debut even with Johnson sidelined. With backup LT La’Raven Clark on IR, Chaz Green is expected to start for Castonzo.

Castonzo was downgraded from questionable. The Colts will be without both starting tackles for a matchup with a Steelers defense that leads the league in sacks. With backup LT La’Raven Clark on IR, Chaz Green will likely start for Castonzo.

Castonzo quickly worked his way back into the starting lineup following a knee sprain. He may be playing at less than full health, but it’s an upgrade over what Indianapolis would’ve been trotting out there with backup LT La’Raven Clark on injured reserve. The Colts declared P Rigoberto Sanchez, QB Jacob Eason, WR Dezmon Patmon, DE Ben Banogu, CB Tremon Smith, OT Will Holden, and WR DeMichael Harris as inactive.

That’s back-to-back (limited) practices for Castonzo, who was initially labeled as week-to-week with “some damage” to his MCL upon injuring himself in Week 12 against the Titans. As Keefer notes, Castonzo has historically suited up when he’s been able to get on the field for consecutive sessions. Castonzo’s presence against Las Vegas’ leaky front-seven would pave the way for both Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines to run wild in a fantasy-friendly matchup.

Clark got rolled up just moments into the game. He was labeled as “questionable,” but Clark could put no weight on his left foot before being carted. His day is through. It’s awful news for Philip Rivers and Jonathan Taylor behind a line that was trying to survive LT Anthony Castonzo’s absence. Chaz Green is now in the game on the blindside. Castonzo, who is not on injured reserve, will now be under increased pressure to return in Week 14.

Castonzo is week to week with “some damage” to his MCL. Not exactly ideal for a team with a quarterback dealing with a foot injury “more severe” than turf toe. Castonzo should miss fewer than three games since he was not placed on injured reserve.

Castonzo is considered week-to-week moving forward. A typical timeline for such an injury is ordinarily 2-6 weeks as long as Castonzo avoided any further damage to surrounding ligaments. Having said that, coach Frank Reich has yet to rule out his left tackle for Week 13 against the Texans. Indy’s practice reports will tell the story.

Castonzo is questionable to play but should be out there after two limited practices and one full one to end the week. Last week, the Colts were pressured a ton by DE Myles Garrett. That shouldn’t be as big of a problem with their starting left tackle back and the Bengals on the schedule.