Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos Injury Report, Odds and Free SIC Pick

This week's version of Thursday Night Football will be highlighted by star running back and linebacker injuries that will hamper both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos during their Week 5 AFC showdown.

Indianapolis Colts - SIC Score 85.1 

Indianapolis left Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans with a big hole at running back as star Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle sprain and a mild turf toe injury. Due to the short turnaround, Taylor will miss the Thursday contest but has a strong chance to return in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

This spells trouble for a Colts offense that relies on Taylor for 20+ carries a game and has no one capable of replacing him. Nyheim Hines is exceptional in the pass game with open space but is far less effective in a traditional running role, meaning head coach Frank Reich will need to mold a specific game plan for Matt Ryan and co.

Do-it-all LB Shaq Leonard will also miss the contest for Indy due to a concussion and broken nose. He missed the season's first three games as well while recovering from back surgery, but this is a significant blow to the defense nevertheless.

Wideout Michael Pittman is another week healthier from his quad injury and will be relied on heavily here with Taylor out.

Denver Broncos - SIC Score 80.4

The Broncos will be without their star running back for much longer with the announcement that Javonte Williams suffered an ACL/LCL tear and will miss the rest of the season. Denver will begrudgingly start Melvin Gordon, who needs to fix his fumbling issues to keep the job beyond this week. Gordon has been limited in practice this week with a neck issue but should have no limitations in the game.

Right tackle Billy Turner is playing but has been limited during his continuing ACL recovery. Right guard Quinn Meinerz has missed multiple weeks with a hamstring strain and will miss Thursday's contest as well.

Denver is also down key edge rusher Randy Gregory, who suffered a right knee injury in Week 4 that landed him on IR. Baron Browning will likely fill in on the weak side with Gregory out.

Starting free safety Justin Simmons remains on IR with a torn quad and backup Caden Sterns has been limited with hip and chest injuries.

Colts vs. Broncos Week 5 Odds

While both teams are banged up, the Broncos are favored by 3.5 points at home on FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds.

Colts vs. Broncos - Free SIC Pick

Under 42.5, Colts +3.5 and Melvin Gordon U58.5 rushing yards

Given the injuries on both sides and how poorly both offenses have played thus far, this game is expected to be low-scoring. That gives the Colts a good chance of covering on the road, as they could lose by a field goal and still cover.

Gordon has rushed for 58 yards or less in all four games this year and received just 3 carries last week. He'll likely split backfield duties with the younger Mike Boone, who turned 3 carries into 20 rushing yards last week.

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Through Week 4, our SIC Picks are at over 53% overall and our player yardage props are at 57.1%. Our live picks are also at 62.5% and can be accessed by signing up for notifications.

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Sports Injury Central is the home of Pro Football Doc – the FanDuel Official Injury Expert – and a leading panel of former team physicians from the NFL, NBA, and MLB. The team analyzes injuries to give fans an edge with their wagering and fantasy sports activities.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.