The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans, with the winner making the playoffs and the loser being knocked out of the postseason picture. The winner of this game can become the AFC South champions if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose or tie against the Tennessee Titans.
In Week 2, Indianapolis won in Houston, 31-20, in a game that was a snapshot of what was ahead for both teams. Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud passed for 384 yards, while Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew came off the bench to replace an injured Anthony Richardson.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor missed the first game while recovering from ankle surgery. Zach Moss, who is questionable with a forearm injury, had 88 rush yards and a touchdown in the first meeting.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Inactives
Texans Designated as Out
- CB Kris Boyd
- OG Nick Broeker
- WR Noah Brown
- DE Jonathan Greenard
- QB Case Keenum
- WR Robert Woods
Colts Designated as Out
- DT Adetomiwa Adebawore
- C Jack Anderson
- S Henry Black
- CB Chris Lammons
- RB Trey Sermon
Latest Injury Report News and Updates
The Colts listed Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly as questionable with ankle injuries. Offensive tackle Braden Smith (knee) is questionable after he returned last week from a three-game absence because of a knee injury.
Indianapolis cornerback Kenny Moore (back) is listed as questionable, and cornerback Chris Lammons (ankle) was ruled out for the game after initially being questionable.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
The Texans have ruled out wide receiver Noah Brown (back) and defensive end Jonathan Greenard (ankle).
The Houston defense has concerns with three other starters — defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle), defensive tackles Maliek Collins (hip) and Sheldon Rankins (ankle) — listed as questionable.
Houston Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is questionable for the game with a groin injury. Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (hip) and fullback Andrew Beck (calf) are also listed as questionable.
What Are the Starting Lineups for Each Team?
Texans Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Houston Texans depth chart.
- Quarterback: C.J. Stroud
- Running Back: Dameon Pierce
- Fullback: Andrew Beck
- Wide Receiver: Nico Collins, Robert Woods
- Tight End: Dalton Schultz
- Left Offensive Tackle: Laremy Tunsil
- Left Offensive Guard: Juice Scruggs
- Center: Michael Deiter
- Right Offensive Guard: Shaq Mason
- Right Offensive Tackle: George Fant
- Left Defensive End: Will Anderson Jr.
- Left Defensive Tackle: Sheldon Rankins
- Right Defensive End: Derek Barnett
- Right Defensive Tackle: Maliek Collins
- Strongside Linebacker: Denzel Perryman
- Middle Linebacker: Henry To’oTo’o
- Weakside Linebacker: Blake Cashman
- Left Cornerback: Derek Stingley Jr.
- Right Cornerback: Steven Nelson
- Free Safety: Adrian Amos
- Strong Safety: Jalen Pitre
- Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn
- Punter: Cameron Johnston
- Long Snapper: Jon Weeks
- Punt Returner: Robert Woods
- Kickoff Returner: Dare Ogunbowale
Colts Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Indianapolis Colts depth chart.
- Quarterback: Gardner Minshew
- Running Back: Jonathan Taylor
- Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs
- Tight End: Kylen Granson
- Left Offensive Tackle: Bernhard Raimann
- Left Offensive Guard: Quenton Nelson
- Center: Ryan Kelly
- Right Offensive Guard: Will Fries
- Right Offensive Tackle: Braden Smith
- Left Defensive End: Kwity Paye
- Left Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner
- Right Defensive End: Samson Ebukam
- Right Defensive Tackle: Taven Bryan
- Strongside Linebacker: Zaire Franklin
- Middle Linebacker: Grant Stuard
- Weakside Linebacker: E.J. Speed
- Left Cornerback: JuJu Brents
- Right Cornerback: Jaylon Jones
- Free Safety: Rodney Thomas II
- Strong Safety: Nick Cross
- Kicker: Matt Gay
- Punter: Rigoberto Sanchez
- Long Snapper: Luke Rhodes
- Punt Returner: Josh Downs
- Kickoff Returner: Josh Downs
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!