INDIANAPOLIS —
Are the Indianapolis Colts treating Sunday’s game at Jacksonville as the final game of the season or just the next game on the schedule?
Despite a 2-13 record, the Colts have plenty on the line – particularly when it comes to draft positioning as well as the future of several key players on the Indianapolis roster. And then there are the questions about what’s going to happen to coach Jim Caldwell and his coaching staff, if anything, once the season is over.
“It is the last game of the year, but also can be used as stepping stones to launch you into the offseason and those kinds of things,” Caldwell explained Monday.
“There are a lot of different things you can sort of talk about in terms of this ball game, but for us it is the next one. What we are trying to do, and [what] we have been trying to do, is get incrementally better, just a little bit better each and every week. I think our guys have been doing that, and this one will also be a challenge to get just a little bit better this week. I think that is indeed the key. And we are going to face an opponent that is doing the exact same thing.”
As for the questions about possible draft positioning, with Minnesota scoring an upset over Washington last Saturday, the Vikings have played themselves out of contention for the No. 1 pick in April’s National Football League draft.
It’s now down to the Colts and St. Louis Rams, who are also 2-13 this season. Due to the league’s tie-breaking procedure, which is strength of schedule, Indianapolis is still the leading contender for the top pick. NFL officials said over the weekend, though, that a Colts win and a St. Louis loss would give the selection to the Rams.
But, again, that could change depending on how teams on both Indianapolis and the Rams’ schedules fare in their games Sunday. According to team vice-chairman Bill Polian, who broached the topic during his weekly Monday night radio show, a final determination won’t be known until after this weekend’s games have been completed.
Caldwell said that the Colts aren’t concerning themselves right now about what might happen in the draft. Their immediate goal is the Jaguars.
Indianapolis has never been swept by an AFC South team since the division was created in 2002 and it doesn’t want to start any precedent now. The Colts are even in the season series with Tennessee and Houston after winning their last two games.
“I do not [worry about the draft]. My job is to win ball games, plain and simple,” the Indianapolis coach said. “[Being swept by a division opponent] hasn’t happened around here in a long time, and I think it is something that they’ve been really focused on and working hard to make certain that it doesn’t happen. That is the real challenge.”
• Injury list — No decision has been made as to whether tight end Dallas Clark (neck burner), weakside linebacker Philip Wheeler (foot), offensive guard Joe Reitz (ankle) or linebacker A.J. Edds (ankle) will be available to play against the Jaguars Sunday.
“I do know [Clark and Wheeler] are making good progress, but I’m not certain of their status at this point. If [Clark] is not healthy and ready to go, then we won’t (play him),” Caldwell said.
While there is a possibility that Clark could be placed on the team’s injured reserve list if he is unable to play at Jacksonville, no decision has been made.
“We have to do what we think is best for us to win this game, so we’ll look at all phases in that regard,” the Colts coach voiced.
The team is treating the season finale at Jacksonville like any other game in terms of injured players being available.
“There are certain individuals that may have borderline issues,” he said. “But the doctors typically, if [they are] borderline, they are going to rule against [them playing].”
Colts
Colts’ last game not without questions
- Colts
-
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Just because Dallas Clark is now in Tampa Bay and Jacob Tamme has moved on to Denver doesn’t mean that the tight end position has become any less important to the Indianapolis Colts offense.
-
Colts working on rebuilding as Luck finishes at Stanford
With No 1 quarterback Andrew Luck finishing up architectural classes at Stanford, coach Chuck Pagano’s rebuilding project goes on as scheduled during the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices at the team’s West 56th Street headquarters.
-
Colts have no plan to move from Anderson
Apparently the Indianapolis Colts and Anderson University officials found a way to work out a few last-minute snags concerning the team’s summer training camp site.
-
Colts’ new QB has a lot to keep him busy
With three days of rookie mini-camp now behind him and a few more weeks of college class work still ahead, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has come to a crossroads.
-
Mr. Irrelevant may find home with Colts
Chandler Harnish might be Mr. Irrelevant to most of the National Football League, but the former Norwell High School standout — who grew up in Bluffton — has a real chance to stick around the Indianapolis Colts locker room for awhile.
-
All eyes on new Indy quarterback
Day One of the Andrew Luck era went off without a hitch Friday at the Indianapolis Colts’ West 56th Street practice facility.
-
Colts fill need at cornerback
While the Indianapolis Colts failed to add any cornerbacks among the 10 players selected during this past weekend’s National Football League draft, general manager Ryan Grigson and the team’s scouting department were able to snag three undrafted free agents to play the position.
-
New Colts GM, coach pleased with first draft
In a sense, first-year general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano were rookies during the 2012 NFL draft.
-
Colts’ new look comes into shape tonight at MSG
A changing of the guard. That’s what fans of the Indianapolis Colts can look forward to when the NFL draft commences tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
-
Colts confirm that Luck is choice
It’s official. The Indianapolis Colts will select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft Thursday night.
-
Colts know, but won't say who No. 1 pick will be
With the first round of the NFL draft just a week away, Indianapolis Colts first-year general manager Ryan Grigson admitted Wednesday that team officials know who they are going to select with the No. 1 overall pick.
-
New-look Colts open against Bears
While the Indianapolis Colts knew back in February who they would be playing during the 2012 regular season, there were plenty of questions about the dates, locations and times of those games.
-
Colts look nothing like team of old with workouts under way
For the first time since last month’s massive roster purge, Indianapolis Colts players — both those that are returning as well as some of the newer additions — were available to talk about the franchise’s immediate future during an open lockerroom session Wednesday.
-
Former Colts Saturday, Diem decide their NFL futures
The revolving door to the Indianapolis Colts locker room keeps spinning at the team's headquarters on West 56th Street.
-
Going to Denver: Manning’s move bound to shake up AFC
The Denver Broncos got their Man. Make that Peyton Manning.
Pending final contract negotiations, Manning will join John Elway’s Broncos with hopes of winning another Super Bowl.
-
Wayne surprises many with move
Welcome home Reggie Wayne.
-
Wayne stays put in Indy
After a week of bad news for Indianapolis Colts fans that included the release of quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, middle linebacker Gary Brackett, safety Melvion Bullitt and quarterback Curtis Painter, finally something positive.
-
Indianapolis puts team roster under knife
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sounded the warning bell during Wednesday’s press conference announcing the release of 14-year quarterback Peyton Manning.
-
MARK BENNETT: Manning leaves great memories for Colts fans
The emotion behind the words was obvious.
-
Peyton-palooza: Manning will have significant number of suitors
Rex Ryan’s Jets need leadership in a lost locker room.
-
Irsay offers only ‘circumstances’
So if Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay wanted Peyton Manning to stay with the team, what happened?
-
UPDATE: Colts announce they’re releasing Manning
Peyton Manning’s record-breaking run as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts ended today, when owner Jim Irsay announced the team would release its best player.
-
Colts, Peyton Manning prepared to part ways?
It looks very much as if an era will be coming to a close today.
-
Colts agree to deal with Mathis
After signing a multi-year deal on Monday, it looks as if Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis will play his entire National Football League career with the Indianapolis Colts.
-
Colts defense about to receive overhaul
Changes are coming quickly for the Indianapolis Colts defense.
-
Luck may be ready to go from start
Talk about walking into a pressure-packed situation.
-
Choices at QB are plentiful for Indianapolis
Whatever decision the Indianapolis Colts ultimately make on who will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2012, the job will ultimately be in good hands.
-
Pagano ready to begin Colts' rebuilding process
With the Peyton Manning situation still unresolved, a pair of recently hired Indianapolis Colts — coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson — are moving on with plans to rebuild the franchise.
-
Colts welcome Manusky aboard as defensive coordinator
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano and potential No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck led the parade.
Grigson and Pagano confirmed the hiring of several assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, Marwan Maalouf (special teams), Roy Anderson (safeties), Alfredo Roberts (tight ends) and Brandt Boyer (assistant special teams). -
Mathis, Garcon at top of Colts’ wish list; Wayne isn’t
Expect defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be priorities for the Indianapolis Colts during free agency.
- More Colts Headlines
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Raw Video: Fire on Nuke-powered Sub in Maine
NYPD: Person Implicated in Etan Patz Death
Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Illegal Burn Suspected in Nevada Fire
Obama: 'We've Got More Work to Do'
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
1 Dead After Crop-Dusters Collide in Midair
Castro's Daughter Takes on U.S.-Cuban Relations
Romney: "I'd Like Every Parent to Have a Choice"
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Clinton Touts Rights Advances, Assails Assad
Search Intensifies for Missing Louisiana Woman
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Raw Video: School Bus Hits House
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
Fight erupts in Ukrainian parliament over language bill.
Racy ad encourages safe sex for senior citizens
New Video of The Dark Knight Rises Released by Warner Brothers
Coach dismissed after going to prom with student
Jennifer Lopez's Rock Hard Abs
Plane Passenger Records Engine Hatch Blowing Off
What Katy Perry Thinks Makes Her Hot
Toddlers Mistake Laundry Detergent TidePods for Candy, Get Poisoned
Anderson Kicks Guest Off Show
Lolo Jones Admits Trouble Keeping Boyfriends
Behind 'Breaking Bad's' Big Bang
Big Bang Theory Star Comes Out
Laundromat video: It was the babysitter and her friend
"The Choking Game" - Deadly Trend for Youth
Sanchez Eager to Start Her Career after 'Idol'
K.Stew's Topless Confession at Cannes
American Idol Crowns a Champ
