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Will Dallis Flowers and Kenny Moore II play for the Colts against the Steelers? Cornerbacks injury status

The Indianapolis Colts are back at Lucas Oil Stadium, where they face a tough challenge in the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, who come into the game with a perfect 3-0 record.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Kenny Moore II #23 of the Indianapolis Colts defends a pass against Dontayvion Wicks #13 of the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.   Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
STACY REVEREAFP

The Steelers, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, have consistently found ways to win, and Tomlin’s reputation for building successful teams—often compared to a TV hero like MacGyver—continues to hold firm. Quarterback Justin Fields, although with a modest stat line in his last game (one touchdown, one interception, 245 passing yards, and a 96 QB rating), has shown the ability to make critical plays.

The Colts’ defense, on the other hand, will need to step up and put pressure on Fields, much like they did against Caleb Williams, sacking him four times and forcing a fumble.

How are the Indianapolis Colts entering this game?

The Colts’ secondary will face another test against Fields, who has dangerous weapons in receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin, both coming off productive games. Indianapolis allowed over 100 receiving yards to Washington’s Romad Dun, although much of that came from a late-game “Hail Mary” pass. The Colts must tighten up, especially against the Steelers’ physical receivers.

Kenny Moore II, #23 of the Indianapolis Colts, tackles DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Kenny Moore II, #23 of the Indianapolis Colts, tackles DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. MICHAEL HICKEYAFP

With Kenny Moore II and Chris Lammons both not practicing, Dallis Flowers’ availability will be crucial for the Colts’ secondary against the Steelers. Flowers was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report. Flowers withdrew from the Indianapolis’ win over the Bears in Week 3 due to a leg issue, but he now appears back to full health. Monitoring his status throughout the week is important. If Moore is unavailable, there may be cornerback changes. Options include Samuel Womack III or Chris Lammons. The Steelers do not have a deep receiving group, which is good news for this week.

Indianapolis’ pass rush could be a decisive factor. Last week, they managed to sack Williams multiple times and held Chicago’s rushing attack to just 2.3 yards per carry. However, they’ll face a different kind of challenge against Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris, who broke loose for 70 yards in his last game after a slow start. Containing Harris and fellow back Cordarrelle Patterson will be key if the Colts hope to keep Pittsburgh’s offense in check.

Jonathan Taylor, who has been the workhorse for Indianapolis, enters the game with back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances. Taylor’s 110 yards and two touchdowns last week against Chicago were the perfect add-on to the Colts’ victory. With Taylor in top form, the Colts may rely on the ground game to challenge a Pittsburgh defense that recently limited JK Dobbins to just 44 yards on the ground.

Pittsburgh’s defense, especially its secondary, will be a tough challenge for Richardson and the Colts’ receivers. Colts’ wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs have been reliable targets but will need to find ways to create separation against a Steelers secondary that has been playing at a high level.