Colts vs Jags: Setting Your TNF Lineup

Interesting match up tonight, with the surprising Colts playing a Jags team that is really struggling to do much of anything these days. Without MJD, they haven’t been able to generate much offensively and it seems that their defense thinks they’re playing flag football at times. Let’s take a quick look at some of the at risk guys and get an idea of who you can or can’t rely on this week.

Although Blaine Gabbert is still dealing with that torn labrum in his left shoulder, it hasn’t done much to slow him down as he’s been pretty solid since the injury. He looks like he’s a go tonight, don’t worry about any setbacks from this week, as he practiced fully both Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the other hand, Donald Brown has managed to go backwards a bit this week. He developed swelling in his post-surgical knee and managed to acquire a hip issue as well on that same side, so looks like he’s going to be a game time decision tonight. I’d expect him to either sit this week or be significantly limited if he plays. Vick Ballard is your guy if you’re owning anyone in that Colts’ backfield.

Donnie Avery suffered a hip injury during Sunday’s game, which has caused him to be limited all week this week. He did practice yesterday, so he looks like he will suit up tonight. No word on the exact injury, but the fact that he practiced at all yesterday means it can’t be too serious

One thing to watch for tonight is the availability of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. I would expect this Colts D to man-handle the struggling Jags’ offense, but on the road and possibly missing Mathis (Freeney seems much more likely to play) could be a huge advantage for the Jags’ passing game. Just something to make a note of if you’re thinking about using the Colts D/ST this week in what appears to be a very good match up on paper.

Maurice Jones Drew

Word came out today that he has just a sprain of the midfoot. That’s a very vague term and, although it’s nice to know that there isn’t something potentially more serious going on (Fracture, Lisfranc Injury, etc), it’s still a bit worrisome because these types of injuries do not heal quickly. The importance of the midfoot is well documented, as it not only provides stability in the arch of the foot to allow dynamic motions to be performed, it also helps transfer forces from the calf/lower leg to the forefoot.

Why is this important?? Think about anytime you run and feel yourself propel your body forward off the balls of the feet, pushing forward forcefully: That happens because of the force output from the calf musculature transferring to the forefoot. Also, the calf acts as a decelerator during fast, quick motions and “juke” moves, so having instability in the midfoot can be very problematic for someone like MJD because he’s both powerful and elusive at the same time, which is what makes him as great as he is.

My gut reaction to this news is that it could mean he misses a few weeks, possibly 3-4. But based on the fact that he needed a second opinion and they initially thought he could have a Lisfranc Injury, I’d bet he’ll be out longer. I like Rashard Jennings in his stead for only one reason: He’s going to get carries. But remember, that Jaguars offense is horrendous and Jennings is not MJD, not even close to it. So I think this is the time to use depth at other positions to throw some trade offers out there to other guys in your league. As an MJD owner in one of my leagues, I know I’ll be doing that today.