[JAFF]

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...n/69720162007/

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts had a challenge this week in defending superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and the high-octane Vikings passing attack. They'll have to do it without one of their most established defensive backs.

Indianapolis has ruled Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II out for Saturday's 1 p.m. game at Minnesota. Moore II will miss a second straight game that had him on a scooter prior to the bye week.

The Colts have also ruled out wide receiver Michael Strachan, who is in the concussion protocol. Cornerback Brandon Facyson is working through an illness and is doubtful for the game.


The Colts are 4-8-1 but not officially eliminated from the playoffs yet, as the Titans lead the AFC South at 7-6. But that fate could be sealed this weekend if the Colts can't beat the Vikings, who are 10-3 but have thrived off winning close games all season.


Indianapolis will try to fight it off by containing Jefferson, who leads the NFL with 1,500 receiving yards and is fresh off an 11-catch, 223-yard game against the Lions. With Moore II out, the Colts will look to do it with Stephon Gilmore and Isaiah Rodgers II and possibly Facyson at the outside cornerback spots. They could deploy more three-safety sets with Julian Blackmon and Rodney Thomas II on the field together to make up for Moore II's absence.


"When you look at how explosive they are as an offense, they can do it a number of different ways whether it’s Jefferson, whether it’s (Dalvin) Cook, whether it’s (T.J.) Hockenson, (Adam) Thielen – you just keep going," Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday said. "They’re going to find ways to move the ball, put up a bunch of points. You just try to keep the lid on it, not give up explosive plays, make them sustain drives. But yeah, it’s a heck of a challenge for our defense.”