Colts Aware of the Importance of Upcoming Game Against Broncos

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are gearing up for one of the most crucial games of their season this Sunday as they head to Denver to face the Broncos.

Currently, the Colts sit two games behind the Broncos in the race for the final wild card spot in the AFC. A victory for Indianapolis would not only give them a tiebreaker advantage over Denver but also bring them within one game of playoff contention with three games remaining.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen understands the significance of this matchup.

“The mindset is every game is big, right?” Steichen said. “They are. They’re big. But now they’re getting bigger in December and I think the guys know the magnitude of this football game. Do we look at standings? They see it. Everyone knows what’s at stake so we got to handle our business.”

The team returns from a bye week with hopes of being healthier than before. Captain and center Ryan Kelly has been designated to return from injury, allowing him a 21-day practice window. Additionally, linebacker Jaylon Carlies' practice window is opening as he prepares to come off injured reserve.

Despite having a late bye week, it has proved beneficial for several players’ recoveries just ahead of this pivotal game.

“I think it’s huge,” Steichen said. “It’s interesting, having such a late bye. You always wonder about it, but it gives us an opportunity to get healthy and we get some guys back.”

The Colts (6-7) will kick off against the Broncos (8-5) at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.