Jack

Mewhort

The Colts’ offensive line struggled badly against the Eagles’ defense and could ill afford to lose Mewhort, who is arguably the shaky unit’s best member.

It’s an enormous loss for Indianapolis. A top-ten guard last season per Pro Football Focus’ grades, Mewhort is one of the Colts’ most experienced and best linemen as the anchor between LT Anthony Castonzo and rookie C Ryan Kelly. The Colts are also dangerously thin on the line. Offensive line play remains the biggest obstacle for Indianapolis’ skill-position players in fantasy.

NFL Network reported late Saturday that Mewhort was “believed” to have torn his ACL. The Colts are catching a huge break here, as Mewhort is their best offensive lineman and the anchor between struggling LT Anthony Castonzo and rookie C Ryan Kelly. It appears Mewhort escaped with a knee sprain. The 2-4 week timetable still makes Mewhort doubtful for Week 1 against Detroit.

It’s not surprising, as Mewhort was slapped with a 2-4 week timeline after going down in the Colts’ third preseason game. He is week to week. Jonotthan Harrison will start in his absence.

He has yet to practice after sitting out all last week as well. The Colts fared surprisingly well with Joe Haeg at left guard against the Titans.

It’s great news for Indianapolis, which will need Mewhort badly to block Haloti Ngata. The Colts’ Week 1 inactives are CBs Darius Butler and Vontae Davis, S Clayton Geathers, OL Austin Blythe, WR Chester Rogers, DE Henry Anderson, and OL Joe Haeg. DE Kendall Langford (knee) is in the lineup.

It is his second missed practice in a row. Already terrible up front, the Colts cannot afford to be without arguably their best player on the offensive live. The Titans should be able to get plenty of pressure on Andrew Luck Sunday.

He’ll miss his second straight game due to a triceps injury. Joe Haeg will draw another start at left guard. Consider Mewhort week to week.

That’s a sign of progress for Mewhort, who sprained his knee during the Colts’ third preseason game. Owner Jim Irsay ruled Mewhort out earlier this week but perhaps that declaration was premature. If Mewhort can make a quick recovery, it will be a huge boost to the Colts’ sluggish offensive line.

Mewhort has been sidelined since Week 6 with a triceps injury. He will likely be limited, but even that gives him a shot to return this week. The offensive line held up surprisingly well with Mewhort sidelined, but he will be welcomed back with open arms.