If the Colts are going to make the playoffs this season, they’re going to have to do it without cornerback Jerraud Powers.
The team placed Powers on injured reserve Monday as a result of a toe injury he suffered in Week Nine. Powers didn’t play in last Thursday’s win over the Jaguars and there’s obviously no hope that he’s going to be able to recover in time to help the team again this year. Powers has started every one of the 42 games he’s played for the Colts since they made him a third-round pick in the 2009 draft.
It’s bad timing for Powers, who will be a free agent after the season, and a Colts secondary already stretched thin by an injury to Vontae Davis. Davis has missed the last two games. Darius Butler, who returned an interception for a touchdown against Jacksonville, will likely be in the starting lineup against the Patriots next Sunday. If Davis isn’t on the other side, the Colts will be thin on the corners against Tom Brady and company.
The Colts also placed defensive tackle Drake Nevis on injured reserve. Nevis played all nine games this season, starting three times, and his playing time will be available for rookie Josh Chapman. Chapman, a fifth-round pick this year, was activated from the non-football injury list on Monday and should find a spot in the rotation if he’s healthy. Indianapolis also elevated tight end Kyle Miller from the practice squad.