On Friday, the Indianapolis Colts officially ruled out left tackle Bernhard Raimann for their Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the news, adding that Raimann’s absence is due to a knee injury sustained in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills. The loss of Raimann is a significant blow to the Colts’ offensive line, as he has been a consistent starter at left tackle for the team.
Raimann exited the Colts’ Week 10 game early after suffering the knee injury, and since then, he has not participated in any practices or games. The Colts have not yet provided a timeline for his return, but with his absence continuing into Week 12, it remains unclear when he will be back on the field.
With Raimann sidelined, rookie Matt Goncalves will step in as the starting left tackle for the third time this season. Goncalves, who has shown promise in his previous starts, will have the tough task of protecting quarterback Gardner Minshew against a fierce Detroit Lions pass rush.
The Lions, who are one of the top teams in the NFC, feature a strong defensive front, including standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Goncalves’ performance in Week 12 will be crucial to ensuring Minshew has time to operate in the pocket and make plays. While Goncalves has proven himself capable of stepping into the starting role, the challenge of facing a Lions defense that leads the league in sacks will certainly test his abilities.
Meanwhile, the Colts received some positive news this week as they opened the 21-day practice window for defensive end Tyquan Lewis.
Lewis, who has been on injured reserve since early in the season due to a knee injury, is now eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster at any point during this window. The timing of his potential return could not be more critical, as the Colts look to bolster their defensive line and improve their pass rush.
Lewis was listed as a full participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, signaling that he is making significant progress in his recovery. Although his activation for Sunday’s game against the Lions has not yet been confirmed, his return would provide a much-needed boost to the Colts’ defensive front.
Lewis’ ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and contribute to stopping the run has been a valuable asset in the past, and his presence could be a game-changer in Indianapolis’ quest for a playoff spot.
As the Colts prepare for Sunday’s game, the absence of Raimann and the potential return of Lewis highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities the team faces.
The outcome of the game will depend on how well the Colts adapt to these changes and whether Goncalves can rise to the occasion while the defense gets stronger with Lewis’ potential return.
