Colts Lose Pass Rusher Before Steelers Game

Colts pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad has been suspended for six games after violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. That will rule him out for the Colts’ game against the Steelers. He was a key member of their practice squad, as the veteran pass rusher not only simulated pass rushers the team would face, but could also be called up in a pinch to provide some quality depth.

The Steelers face the Colts next Saturday in a pivotal game for their playoff hopes. Without Muhammad, the Colts also have former Steelers outside linebacker Genard Avery on their practice squad as someone who can provide some pass rush juice in a pinch. Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam are the starters in Indianapolis, with quality depth in Dayo Ogeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis as their backups.

Of course, this is not the only situation to watch around the Colts. Running back Jonathan Taylor had thumb surgery and will miss this week’s game against the Bengals. He could return next week, as that is right at the start of the three to five week timeline he got after the surgery. However, it remains to be seen if that will happen, and backup Zack Moss is playing some good football.

Taylor and the Colts agreed to a new three-year, $42 million contract with $26.5 million in guaranteed money. He was on the physically unable-to-perform list with an ankle injury while also holding out for a new contract. He returned to game action and, in that limited action, has been serviceable but not entirely up to speed. But Moss has picked up the slack with 672 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.