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Barring any setbacks this week, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brissett was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice session.
Colts coach Frank Reich: Jacoby Brissett will have a full practice today. Barring setbacks, he's the starter Sunday.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 13, 2019
As for Adam Vinatieri, "he's our kicker," Reich said. "We feel we need him going forward."
Brissett injured his left knee against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 3. He was held out of last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins, and the Colts were forced to turn to veteran backup signal-caller Brian Hoyer. The Dolphins proceeded to stun the Colts, as Indy dropped the game at home to the listless Dolphins without Brissett under center.
Prior to the injury in Week 9, Brissett had led the Colts to a 5-2 record. He has completed nearly 65 percent of his passes this season for 1,649 yards and 14 touchdowns versus only three interceptions.
Sunday’s matchup between the Colts (5-4) and Jaguars (4-5) at Lucas Oil Stadium is an extremely important game for both teams battling in a crowded AFC South race. This contest has a lot of implications for both the division crown and the AFC playoff race as a whole.
The Colts getting their starting quarterback back bodes well for them, but the Jaguars also get their starter back in Nick Foles. Foles hasn’t played since Week 1, which gives Jacksonville a distinct advantage because Indianapolis has very little film to go off of with Foles in a Jags uniform.
The Colts are expected to be without Brissett’s No. 1 wide receiver in T. Y. Hilton. Hilton injured his calf in a non-contact drill in practice on Oct. 30. He has not practiced since, and has missed each of the past two games. His status for Sunday is currently listed as “doubtful.”
Sunday’s game has all of the makings for a fun, competitive game, with a lot on the line. This is the first of two meetings this season, as the teams will meet again in Jacksonville in Week 17.