Description: Colts coach Chuck Pagano said running back Vick Ballard was the "lead guy" in the backfield, according to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.
Insight: With Brown hurting, Ballard rushed for 814 yards and two rushing touchdowns and caught 17 balls for 152 yards last season. We expect that if Brown is healthy he'll get a good portion of the workload, but for now Ballard is the No. 1 option.
Description: Former Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed to a one-year deal with Indianapolis.
Insight: Don't get too excited. Sure, Heyward-Bey can help Andrew Luck stretch the field with his big play ability but he's a distant fourth on the depth chart behind Reggie Wayne, Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton.
Description: Indianapolis won't re-sign wide receiver Austin Collie according to Indianapolis Star beat writer Mike Chappell.
Insight: Injuries have caused Collie to miss 22 games over the last three seasons. At age 27, it's not too late for Collie to resurrect his career but the clock is definitely ticking.
Description: The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts will not re-sign linebacker Dwight Freeney this offseason.
Insight: This doesn't come as much of a surprise. Freeney's production fell dramatically this season and at 33, it wouldn't make financial sense for the Colts to sign him to a long-term deal. Freeney should attract plenty of interest on the open market given his strong track record (seven Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons).
Description: Free agent linebacker Dwight Freeney isn't expected to return to the Colts next season. SOURCE: Peter King, Sports Illustrated.
Insight: Freeney's sack total this season (five) was his lowest since 2007. He wasn't a great fit for Chuck Pagano's 3-4 scheme in Indianapolis and would probably function better as a defensive end on a team that uses a 4-3 defensive configuration.
Description: Colts wideout Reggie Wayne led the way Sunday with nine catches for 114 yards.
Insight: Wayne was targeted 18 times but many of those throws were rushed as the Ravens' pass rush gave rookie quarterback Andrew Luck all he could handle. Wayne bounced back from a disappointing 2011 campaign by finishing seventh in the NFL in receiving yards this season (1,355).
Description: Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck couldn't get the job done in his first career NFL playoff game. He completed 28 of his 54 passes for 288 yards and an interception.
Insight: Luck also lost a fumble while rushing for 35 yards on four carries. Baltimore's disruptive pass rush never allowed Luck to get in any kind of rhythm. It probably didn't help that Luck's receivers dropped several catchable passes throughout the game. Overall, Luck had a brilliant rookie year and it looks like he'll be a top fantasy target heading into next season.
Description: Backup running back Delone Carter, who has been out since Week 14, is listed as questionable for Sunday's playoff game with Baltimore, though most expect him to be available.
Insight: The Colts' running game has been entirely dependent on Vick Ballard of late and he'll still get most of the work even when Carter returns. Carter's return would send Mewelde Moore back to special teams duty making his fantasy value near zero.
Description: Indianapolis rookie receiver T.Y. Hilton had his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season Sunday against the Texans with 111 yards and a touchdown on four catches.
Insight: Hilton placed second to Justin Blackmon in receiving yardage among rookies by the narrowest of margins, 865-861.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.
Insight: As long as your league doesn't count yards per carry, that's a serviceable fantasy day. In fact, Ballard's season numbers (814 yards, two rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdowns) are just that -- serviceable.
Description: Colts quarterback Andrew Luck added 191 to his rookie record for passing yards in a season Sunday against the Texans, giving him 4,374 yards.
Insight: Luck also threw two touchdowns with zero turnovers as the Colts played to win in Chuck Pagano's first game back on the sideline following several months of leukemia treatment. Luck's 23 passing touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns and 11 wins put him in a running for NFL Rookie of the Year.
Description: Backup running back Delone Carter is out for Week 17 with an ankle injury.
Insight: With Donald Brown (ankle) already sidelined, the Colts' running game is almost entirely dependent on Vick Ballard. But with the Colts locked into the No. 5 seed, even Ballard may not do much in Week 17 as the team protects its key players for the first round of the playoffs.
Description: Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano says the Colts won't rest any of their starters this week against Houston despite already clinching the fifth seed in the AFC.
Insight: Playing all their starters will allow the Colts to stay fresh going into the playoffs though it also presents an injury risk (Wes Welker tore his ACL in a meaningless Week 17 game a few seasons ago). The most likely scenario is that Pagano plays his starters early before letting the backups take over in the second half. Plan your fantasy lineups accordingly.
Description: Colts quarterback Andrew Luck broke the all-time mark for most passing yards by a rookie by throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown Sunday in a win against Kansas City.
Insight: Luck now has 4,183 yards for the year, which is 132 more than the 4,051 Cam Newton totaled last year in his rookie season. The win also allowed Indianapolis to clinch a playoff berth. Luck presents a pretty convincing case to be Rookie of the Year.
Description: Interim Colts' head coach Bruce Arians said backup running back Delone Carter is out for Week 16 with an apparent ankle injury.
Insight: With Donald Brown (ankle) already sidelined, the Colts' running game is almost entirely dependent on Vick Ballard, who has set his personal best in back-to-back games.
Description: Indianapolis rookie receiver T.Y. Hilton caught three passes for 78 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Texans.
Insight: Hilton has only seen 6.2 targets per game this season but he has averaged 16.3 ypc and caught six touchdowns. He's second to Cleveland's Josh Gordon in receiving yards among rookies.
Description: Interim Colts' head coach Bruce Arians said backup running back Delone Carter is out for Week 16 with an apparent ankle injury.
Insight: With Donald Brown (ankle) already sidelined, the Colts' running game is almost entirely dependent on Vick Ballard, who has set his personal best in back-to-back games.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard could set a personal best for the third consecutive week in his game next Sunday versus Kansas City.
Insight: Ballard surpassed his one-week old personal best with a career-high 104 yards on 18 carries Sunday against the Texans and could do it again in Week 16 with Delone Carter expected to miss the game.
Description: In addition to Deji Karim, Indianapolis has re-signed running back Mewelde Moore.
Insight: Donald Brown (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and Delone Carter (ankle) is questionable for Sunday so the Colts were wearing thin at running back. Vick Ballard is the only player worth owning from this group.
Description: Indianapolis running back Donald Brown (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve.
Insight: Vick Ballard surpassed Brown as Indianapolis' starting tailback several weeks ago but Brown was still cutting into Ballard's carries. Deji Karim and Mewelde Moore were signed Tuesday but neither player poses a threat to Ballard. Indianapolis' activity on the free agent market should tell you all you need to know about Delone Carter's (ankle) status for Sunday.
Description: The Colts have re-signed running back Deji Karim. SOURCE: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star
Insight: Karim could back up Vick Ballard with Donald Brown being placed on injured reserve Tuesday and Delone Carter dealing with an ankle injury. He's not a fantasy factor.
Description: Indianapolis Colts backup running back Delone Carter is questionable for Sunday's game with an apparent ankle injury. No updates have been issued as of yet.
Insight: With Donald Brown (ankle) already sidelined, the Colts' running game is almost entirely dependent on Vick Ballard.
Description: Indianapolis wideout Donnie Avery only had three catches on nine targets Sunday against the Titans after catching five balls for 91 yards and two scores on 14 looks in the Colts' comeback win over Detroit in Week 14.
Insight: Avery finished with 31 yards and affirmed why Reggie Wayne is the only Colts receiver fantasy owners can trust on a week-to-week basis.
Description: Colts receiver Reggie Wayne 64 yards and a touchdown on six receptions Sunday versus Tennessee.
Insight: Wayne has been gobbling up catches and yards all season but the one area he's been lacking is touchdowns. He only has four scores on the season through 13 games.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard had a career-high 91 yards on 19 carries Sunday against the Titans.
Insight: Ballard didn't score a touchdown but he gave fantasy owners some confidence going into Week 15 at Houston. With Donald Brown out, no other Colts RB carried more than three times.
Description: Quarterback Andrew Luck helped the Colts win their ninth game of the season Sunday against Tennessee but didn't produce fantasy-worthy numbers after tossing four TDs in a miracle victory in Week 13 at Detroit.
Insight: Luck only had 196 yards on 16-of-34 passing with one touchdown and two picks after throwing for nearly 400 yards last week. He'll try to rebound in a tough matchup with Houston on the road in Week 15, his first career matchup with Indianapolis' division rival.
Description: Indianapolis running back Donald Brown (ankle) suffered the injury late in the game with Detroit and has already been ruled out for Week 14, according to Indianapolis Star beat writer Phillip Wilson.
Insight: This smacks of a high-ankle sprain and multi-week absence. Vick Ballard's stock takes a big jump up.
Description: Quarterback Andrew Luck led the Colts down the field for a touchdown on the final drive of the game as Indianapolis pulled off a stunning comeback win over the Lions on Sunday.
Insight: The Colts trailed 33-21 with less than three minutes remaining but somehow thanks to Luck's incredible arm, they were able to steal the victory. Luck finished the day with 391 yards and four touchdowns. It wasn't all good for Luck, who also heaved up three interceptions while completing less than half of his passes. Fortunately, fantasy owners will tend to look past these shortcomings after you lead a miracle late game comeback and throw for almost 400 yards.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard will get all the work with Donald Brown active but injured for Sunday's game against Detroit.
Insight: Ballard had just 13 carries for 41 yards last weekend versus Buffalo, but should improve on those numbers this week and the workhorse running back.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown (knee) didn't practice Friday but is active for Sunday's game with Detroit.
Insight: Brown was on the field for just 30 percent of the 65 plays against New England last week and saw just six touches. Vick Ballard is the Colts' running back to have and start.
Description: Colts rookie tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against the Lions. SOURCE: Tom James, Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Insight: Fleener hasn't played since Week 8, but he hasn't been fantasy relevant since Week 1. He shouldn't be started until he proves otherwise.
Description: Indianapolis rookie receiver T.Y. Hilton returned a punt for a touchdown and caught another Sunday against the Bills.
Insight: Hilton went to the locker room to be check out for a concussion but returned later in the game. He caught all three of his targets. It was Hilton's second consecutive two-score game.
Description: Colts receiver Reggie Wayne hit the century mark in receiving yards Sunday against the Bills for the first time since he had 212 in Week 5 against the Packers.
Insight: Wayne grabbed eight balls for 102 yards and now has 84 receptions and 1,105 yards on the season. He's had five or more catches and at least 71 yards in all 11 games this season.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard will start over Donald Brown at running back Sunday against Buffalo. SOURCE: Phillip Wilson, Indianapolis Star
Insight: The Bills have allowed the most fantasy points in the NFL to opposing running backs (24.1), making Ballard a solid flex play Sunday.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown (knee) didn't practice Friday, but is listed as probable for Sunday's game with Buffalo.
Insight: Brown was on the field for just 30 percent of the 65 plays against New England last week and saw just six touches. Given that division of plays, only Ballard can be installed in fantasy lineups.
Description: Indianapolis wideout Donnie Avery is questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo. He's dealing with concussion symptoms.
Insight: Avery has been the Colts' No.2 target behind Reggie Wayne. Backup T.Y. Hilton (6-100-2 against the Patriots) has proven he can get the job done if Avery is inactive.
Description: Coach Bruce Arians is hopeful that Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener can play in Week 12, according to an Indianapolis Star report. He's still recovering from a separated shoulder suffered in Week 8.
Insight: Weslye Saunders and Dwayne Allen will continue to fill in at tight end for the Colts. Neither has Fleener's fantasy value.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck struggled Sunday against the Patriots. He committed four turnovers including three picks and a lost fumble.
Insight: Two of Luck's interceptions were returned for touchdowns. New England's defense was firing on all cylinders Sunday and as a rookie, Luck is entitled to have a subpar game every once in a while. He'll try to get back on track next week against 4-6 Buffalo.
Description: Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (foot) has been ruled out of the game against New England this Sunday.
Insight: A game with the Patriots is a bad time to find your secondary down one of it's best cover men. Add more value to Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Rob Gronkowski.
Description: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener won't play in Week 11 against New England. He's still recovering from a separated shoulder suffered in Week 8 and isn't expected back for another two weeks, according to an Indianapolis Star report.
Insight: Weslye Saunders and Dwayne Allen will continue to fill in at tight end for the Colts. Neither has Fleener's fantasy value.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown (knee) didn't practice Thursday after turning in a full session Wednesday. This is exactly what he did two weeks ago before playing Sunday so he's likely going to be in the lineup when Indianapolis plays New England in Week 11.
Insight: Brown split carries with Vick Ballard Thursday against the Jaguars. Neither player is a fantasy option as long as the current arrangement is in place. As it stands now the most valuable rusher on the Colts is QB Andrew Luck (5 rushing TDs).
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown is active for Thursday night's game against the Jaguars. Brown had been listed as questionable because of a knee injury.
Insight: Vick Ballard got most of the reps last week against Miami and that's likely to be the case again tonight in Jacksonville. Brown should be more useful next week when he's closer to 100 percent.
Description: Colts receiver Donnie Avery (hip) is expected to play Thursday against the Jaguars after putting in full practices this week.
Insight: While Avery is second on the team in targets he has been losing looks to rookie T.Y. Hilton. You're taking a major risk playing either Avery or Hilton this week, even in a favorable matchup against the Jaguars. If we had to choose one, we'd go with the healthy Hilton.
Description: Colts running back Donald Brown did not participate in Wednesday's practice. He's questionable for Thursday night's game with a sore knee.
Insight: Brown didn't see a single carry Sunday against the Dolphins and hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1. He's a fantasy afterthought at this point. If you're looking to start an Indianapolis halfback this week, go with Vick Ballard instead.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard has a favorable matchup and a seemingly clear path to the starting job Thursday against the Jaguars.
Insight: Jacksonville has given up 23.3 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, third most in the NFL. Donald Brown (knee) didn't practice Tuesday and it doesn't look like he'll be able to go Thursday.
Description: According to coach Bruce Arians, Colts receiver Donnie Avery (hip) will be a game-time decision.
Insight: Avery is second on the Colts in targets (68) behind Reggie Wayne. He's caught 34 balls for 454 yards and one touchdown. If Avery doesn't play, we will likely see more of exciting roookie T.Y. Hilton (24-355-2).
Description: Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener won't play Thursday against Jacksonville. He's still recovering from a separated shoulder suffered in Week 8's win over Tennessee.
Insight: Fleener could be back for Week 11's matchup against the Patriots. For now, Weslye Saunders and Dwayne Allen will continue to fill in at tight end for the Colts.
Description: Tom James of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star has confirmed that Donald Brown came out of Sunday's game because of knee soreness, not a hip injury, as John Clayton reported.
Insight: Brown will have little time to rehab the knee with the Colts scheduled for the Thursday night tilt against Jacksonville. He'll likely be a game-time decision, but hopefully fantasy owners have better options than an injured running back in a time-share situation.
Description: John Clayton from ESPN reports that Indianapolis running back Donald Brown hurt his hip Sunday against Miami.
Insight: Brown, who is also dealing with a bum knee, only caught one pass for seven yards on Sunday. Fantasy owners can ignore him until he's healthy again.
Description: Colts QB Andrew Luck threw for an NFL rookie record 433 passing yards Sunday against Miami.
Insight: An incredible performance from the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. Luck's recent strong play is a big reason why the Colts are 5-3 and have a chance of making the playoffs.
Description: According to coach Bruce Arians, Colts receiver Donnie Avery (hip) will be a game-time decision.
Insight: Avery is second on the Colts in targets (68) behind Reggie Wayne. He's caught 34 balls for 454 yards and one touchdown. If Avery doesn't play, we will likely see more of exciting roookie T.Y. Hilton (24-355-2).
Description: In a surprise move, Colts running back Donald Brown will be available to play Sunday against the Dolphins. Brown had been listed as doubtful with an injured knee.
Insight: Brown's impact should be minimal as Vick Ballard is slated to get the start for Indianapolis.
Description: Colts running back Donald Brown has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's matchup versus the Dolphins. Brown has missed two of the team's last three games after undergoing minor knee surgery in October.
Insight: If you have Vick Ballard stashed on your bench, feel free to slot him into your starting lineup this afternoon.
Description: Indianapolis tailback Donald Brown (knee) was a full participant in Friday's practice.
Insight: Brown, who underwent a minor knee operation a few weeks ago, returned last Sunday to rush for 80 yards on 14 carries (5.7 ypc). He was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Friday and sat out entirely Thursday. He's listed as probable for Sunday but he'll be splitting carries with Vick Ballard for the foreseeable future so his value is limited.
Description: Indianapolis tailback Donald Brown (knee) missed Thursday's practice after being a full participant Wednesday.
Insight: Brown, who underwent a minor knee operation a few weeks ago, returned last Sunday to rush for 80 yards on 14 carries (5.7 ypc). He's expect to split carries with Vick Ballard going forward. There's no word if Brown aggravated his knee or if the team was just resting him Thursday.
Description: Indianapolis tailback Donald Brown (knee) will continue to share the workload with backup Vick Ballard, according to The Herald Bulletin's George Bremer.
Insight: Brown, who underwent a minor knee operation a few weeks ago, returned last Sunday to rush for 80 yards on 14 carries (5.7 ypc). Ballard was 12 for 55 yards (4.6 ypc). It appears that this will be a shared situation for the remainder of the season.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown (knee) rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries in his return after missing two games.
Insight: Brown underwent a minor knee operation earlier in the month. He split carries with Vick Ballard (12-55) and outperformed the rookie but watch Ballard and Delone Carter each get into the end zone.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown (knee) is active for Week 8 against the Titans.
Insight: Brown underwent a minor knee operation earlier in the month and has missed the Colts' past two games. Vick Ballard will get the start but the two backs will likely split carries.
Description: Indianapolis halfback Donald Brown has been a full participant in practice the last two days. He'll be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Tennessee.
Insight: Brown underwent a minor knee operation earlier in the month and has missed the Colts' past two games. If Brown sits out, Vick Ballard will be called on to start for Indianapolis.
Description: Colts running back Vick Ballard had a better performance Sunday than he did in the previous game, running for 84 yards on 20 carries.
Insight: Ballard only had 25 yards on eight carries in Week 6 against the Jets but performed better against the Browns Sunday. He'll hold onto the starting job for another week until Donald Brown returns. He has a very favorable matchup in Week 7 against Tennessee.
Description: Ballard's first starting gig resulted in just 25 yards rushing and a disappointing fantasy total.
Insight: Fantasy owners had three new starters to choose from last weekend in Alex Green, William Powell and Ballard. Those who chose Ballard have apparently not seen the difficulty the Colts' offensive line is having opening up holes. Ballard was also indecisive, a deadly combination.
Description: Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star doesn't think Vick Ballard is the answer to the team's running woes, at least not at first glance. "Part of the problem was the inability of the offensive line to create much push or space," Chappell said. "But on occasion, Ballard was indecisive and slow to the hole."
Insight: Ballard will shoulder the load while Donald Brown is out of the lineup after having knee surgery but he isn't a reliable fantasy option.
Description: Indianpolis running back Vick Ballard rushed eight times for 25 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards.
Insight: Filling in for the injured Donald Brown, who went down with a knee injury late in last week's win over the Packers, Ballard proved to be of little fantasy value. The rookie out of Mississippi State will likely get one more chance next week as Brown isn't due to return for another week or two.
Description: Indianpolis running back Vick Ballard will get the nod as the team's starter Sunday versus the Jets.
Insight: Ballard is filling in for the injured Donald Brown, who went down with a knee injury late in last week's win over the Packers. The rookie out of Mississippi State hasn't shown us a whole lot in 2012 (42 yards on 21 rushing attempts) so we're not optimistic about his chances Sunday against New York.
Description: Colts starting halfback Donald Brown will miss the next 2-to-3 weeks after having a minor operation to repair torn cartilage in his knee.
Insight: Brown is actually coming off his most productive game of the season last Sunday against Green Bay (17 carries, 84 yards). Expect Vick Ballard to man the fort at running back while Brown is sidelined.
Description: After Sunday's 212-yard effort, Colts wideout Reggie Wayne leads the NFL in receiving yards-per-game (126.5).
Insight: Apparently rumors of Wayne's "fantasy death" were greatly exaggerated. All he needed was a quarterback who could get him the ball. With rookie Andrew Luck under center Wayne should certainly produce his eighth 1,000-yard receiving season in the last nine years.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck threw for a career-high 362 yards Sunday against the Packers and had three total touchdowns in an upset win.
Insight: Luck threw for two scores and rushed for another. The rookie has thrown for 300-plus yards in three of his first four NFL games despite having a shaky offensive line and running game to work with.
Description: Colts receiver Reggie Wayne had 13 receptions for 212 yards and a game-winning touchdown Sunday against the Packers.
Insight: Wayne has been a fantasy monster through four games, catching no less than six balls for no less than 71 yards in any of them. He's averaging a ridiculous 126.5 yards per game.
Description: Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (foot) has been ruled out of the game against Green Bay this Sunday, according to beat writer Conrad Brunner
Insight: A game with the Packers is a bad time to find your secondary down one of it's best cover men. Add more value to Aaron Rodgers, James Jones and Jordy Nelson.
Description: Colts coach Chuck Pagano said Austin Collie (knee) suffered a ruptured patellar tendon and is out for the year, according to Colts beat writer Mike Chappell.
Insight: Collie was making his 2012 debut after sitting out the first two games with lingering concussion symptoms. It's an unfortunate situation for a player who has struggled to stay on the field throughout his career. Donnie Avery is the team's clear-cut No. 2 receiver with Collie out.
Description: Colts receiver Donnie Avery caught just two balls for 28 yards in Week 3. Avery had nine receptions a week ago.
Insight: It wasn't Austin Collie who took receptions away from Avery in Week 3, it was T.Y. Hilton. Collie only caught one pass before leaving with a knee injury but Hilton grabbed four balls for 113 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. It's clear that Luck is going to spread the ball around and no Colts receiver other than Reggie Wayne can be trusted in fantasy leagues right now.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck completed just 47.8 percent of his passes on 46 attempts Sunday against Jacksonville but he managed to throw for 313 yards and two touchdowns and rush for 50 yards.
Insight: Indianapolis' offensive line rarely gave Luck time to throw Sunday but he still made some plays. He's not someone you want to be starting right now but he could work his way into the top ten fantasy quarterbacks by season's end.
Description: Indianapolis wideout Austin Collie left Sunday's game against Jacksonville with a knee injury. He will not return.
Insight: Expect Collie to be out indefinitely with what appears to be a very serious knee injury. Collie had just one catch for six yards at the time of his departure.
Description: Colts receiver Donnie Avery is in the starting lineup on Sunday even though Austin Collie is active.
Insight: Avery has shown excellent chemistry with quarterback Andrew Luck so there's no guarantee he's going to receive less targets with Collie around. We'll have to see how the Colts utilize their receivers this week.
Description: Adam Schefter reports Colts wideout Austin Collie will be active for Sunday's game against Jacksonville. Collie missed the first two games of the year because of a concussion.
Insight: Collie has never recorded more than 676 receiving yards in a season so we're not overly excited about his fantasy potential. Collie will be coming off the bench on Sunday, so don't expect Donnie Avery's fantasy value to be affected too drastically by Collie's return.
Description: Colts receiver Donnie Avery caught nine passes for 111 yards Sunday, but could see a significant drop in targets with the probable return of Austin Collie.
Insight: Avery has been targeted 18 times in two games. Andrew Luck found Avery for his only touchdown in Week 1 and the two hooked up plenty in Week 2.
Description: Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie (concussion) practiced fully for the third straight day Friday.
Insight: It appears that Collie will finally get back on the field. Whether he can make it through four quarters is another story. If Collie starts, downgrade Donnie Avery who has been targeted 18 times in two games.
Description: Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie (concussion) practiced fully for the second straight day Thursday, according to Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Insight: Collie didn't practice last Thursday after he was a full-go Wednesday so this is a good sign. Still, Collie is no guarantee to play Sunday and QB Andrew Luck has built chemistry with Donnie Avery so we'd roll with another option Sunday.
Description: Colts receiver Donnie Avery has taken full advantage of Austin Collie's absence in two games this season. Avery caught nine passes for 111 yards Sunday.
Insight: Andrew Luck found Avery for his only touchdown a week ago and the two hooked up plenty in Week 2. Avery is a solid pickup for owners looking for receivers but his value will be hurt by Austin Collie when Collie finally gets back in the lineup. If Collie is healthy, he's the receiver to own, not Avery.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck looked much better Sunday against Minnesota's lackluster pass defense than he did against Chicago last week. Luck completed 20-of-31 for 224 yards, two TDs and zero picks in his first career victory.
Insight: Luck can make all the throws and he's got the legs and awareness to move around in the Colts' ever-collapsing pocket. That should be enough to make Reggie Wayne an every-week WR2 and give fantasy value to tight end Coby Fleener and whoever is Indy's No. 2 receiver (Donnie Avery filled that spot Sunday but it's Austin Collie's job when he's active).
Description: As expected, Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts has been deemed inactive for Sunday's tilt versus the Vikings. The star defensive end suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1's loss to Chicago.
Insight: Be careful about starting the Colts' defense with Freeney sidelined.
Description: Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
Insight: Collie has been dealing with concussion symptoms for about a month now. He was cleared for contact this week but he was then downgraded to doubtful later in the week.
Description: Injured Indianapolis receiver Austin Collie was unable to practice on Friday. He's doubtful for the Colts' Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings.
Insight: Collie has been dealing with concussion symptoms for about a month now. He's very unlikely to play on Sunday and could be in danger of missing Week 3's game against Jacksonville as well.
Description: According to Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star, Colts receiver Austin Collie (concussions) wasn't feeling 100-percent after practicing on Wednesday and missed Thursday's practice.
Insight: It's looking less and less likely that Collie will be ready to go in Week 2. Plan accordingly.
Description: Colts receiver Austin Collie (concussion) was held out of practice Thursday after fully participating Wednesday, according to Adam Caplan of thesidelineview.com.
Insight: Collie has been cleared for contact, so it's unclear if this was a precautionary measure or if Collie wasn't really a full go Wednesday. You'll recall that Collie was inactive for Week 1 after Colts coach Chuck Pagano had deemed him a "full-go." Now he was listed as a full participant in practice one day before being held out the next. It's going to be difficult to trust the Indianapolis coaching staff this season when it comes to disclosing injury information.
Description: Indianapolis rookie T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) is expected to play in Week 2, according to a report by Colts beat writer Phillip B. Wilson.
Insight: Hilton and fellow rookie Andrew Luck played well together in the third preseason game against the Redskins, but if Austin Collie is ready to go then Hilton is just a part-time option in three receiver sets.
Description: Colts receiver Austin Collie (concussion) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against Minnesota, according to coach Chuck Pagano.
Insight: Collie should start opposite Reggie Wayne and be a viable WR3 fantasy option. With Andrew Luck at quarterback, the Colts showed in Week 1 that they are not afraid to throw the ball.
Description: Colts rookie tight end Coby Fleener had a strong debut Sunday against Chicago, catching six passes for 82 yards.
Insight: Fleener was Andrew Luck's teammate at Stanford, so the two have built-in chemistry now that they're both with the Colts. Fleener definitely has TE1 upside but he might see less targets when Austin Collie is active.
Description: Talented rookie QB Andrew Luck had a rough day in his first career game, completing 51.1 percent of his passes and throwing three interceptions, but he did help resurrect Reggie Wayne as a fantasy option. Wayne had nine catches for 135 yards in Week 1.
Insight: Wayne is on the decline but he still managed to total 960 yards last season with a bunch of scrubs playing the quarterback position. With Luck under center, expect Wayne to catch 80-plus passes and exceed 1,000 yards receiving.
Description: Colts receiver Austin Collie, plagued by concussion symptoms for most of the preseason, is being held out of Sunday's season opener against the Bears.
Insight: Donnie Avery will pick up the start in Collie's absence. Collie should be back for Week 2's game against Minnesota.
Description: With Austin Collie still questionable due to concussion problems, rookie T.Y. Hilton might have a chance to shine, but he too is listed as questionable for Week 1 against the Bears with a shoulder injury.
Insight: Hilton and fellow rookie Andrew Luck played well together in the third preseason game against the Redskins. If Collie is inactive, a healthy Hilton could have fantasy value against last season's 28th-ranked pass defense.
Description: According to the Sporting News, Colts rookie running back Vick Ballard is likely to be the team's primary backup to Donald Brown.
Insight: Ballard has proven to be an adequate blocker and reliable receiver. The team also has Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore behind the uninspiring Brown. Brown is the player to own right now but Ballard could be worth a stash once we see what his role with the team will be.
Description: According to the Indianapolis Star, Colts receiver Austin Collie (concussions) didn't confirm that he's been cleared to play Sunday.
Insight: Colts coach Chuck Pagano said Collie was a "full go" early this week and the receiver has been fully participating in practice, but it's possible he hasn't received full clearance from team doctors yet. We wouldn't recommend starting him this week.
Description: Colts receiver Austin Collie was a full participant at practice on Monday. Until today, Collie's participation had been limited following a concussion he suffered earlier this preseason.
Insight: It looks like Collie is a go for Sunday's game against Chicago, though we wouldn't risk taking him in the early rounds of any fantasy drafts given his well-documented injury history.
Description: Indianapolis Colts running back Delone Carter is questionable for Sunday's game against Chicago with a rib injury.
Insight: Carter missed most of the offseason work due to a thumb injury and is stuck way down the depth chart. He had a big opportunity last year, but rushed for only 3.7 ypc and is now sitting behind Donald Brown, Mewelde Moore and Vick Ballard. Barring injuries, he's got very little fantasy value this season.
Description: According to Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star, Colts coach Chuck PAgano said Austin Collie (concussion) should be ready for the season opener.
Insight: Collie has had four concussions in the last 21 months, but he has stated that he won't retire. The receiver was working as the No. 2 wideout in the team's base set prior to the injury, and he'll also play in the slot in three receiver sets. Collie is worth a late-round flier in PPR leagues.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck bounced back from a medicore outing in his second preseason game by throwing for 151 yards and a touchdown Saturday versus the Redskins.
Insight: Luck threw a beauty to T.Y. Hilton in the second quarter for a 31-yard score and didn't throw an interception in 23 pass attempts. He looks as polished as any first-year QB we've seen in recent memory. Expect him to have a solid rookie campaign.
Description: Indianapolis wide receiver Austin Collie's agent, Don Yee, signed Monday that it would be incorrect and premature to conclude that his client suffered another concussion Sunday, according to ESPN.
Insight: The Indianapolis Star reported Monday that Collie had been officially diagnosed with his fourth concussion in the last 21 months, but Yee rejected that conclusion Monday. Still, drafting Collie at this point would be extremely risky given his history with head trauma.
Description: Indianapolis wide receiver Austin Collie has officially been diagnosed with a concussion, according to Phil Wilson of the Indianapolis Star.
Insight: Collie has suffered four concussions in the past 21 months. It's going to be tough drafting him with that type of history.
Description: Colts rookie wideout LaVon Brazill, a sixth-round selection from Ohio, could take a huge step forward if starting wide receiver Austin Collie is out for any length of time. Collie appeared to suffer another concussion on Sunday night, his fourth in three seasons.
Insight: Brazill caught 74 balls for 1,146 yards and 11 TDs in his senior season at Ohio. He has gotten time with the Colts first team offense and could be a nice late-round flier with big upside as quarterback Andrew Luck is showing to be ready for the NFL in his first season
Description: Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had a shaky outing Sunday night against Pittsburgh. He finished the evening 16-for-25 with no touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Insight: One of those picks should have been caught by wide receiver T.Y. Hilton but instead the rookie dropped it and it fell into the hands of Pittsburgh cornerback Cortez Allen. The other ended up being a pick-six as Ike Taylor returned the errant pass 49 yards for a Steelers touchdown. Luck was able to redeem himself somewhat however by diving into the end zone for a one-yard score with two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Description: Indianapolis wide receiver Austin Collie left Sunday's exhibition game early because of a head injury. He's being checked now for concussion-like symptoms.
Insight: If this is indeed a concussion, it will be the fourth one Collie has suffered in his last three seasons. Collie's career-high in receiving yards is only 676, so regardless of his health, there isn't a lot of upside here.
Description: According to the Indianapolis Star, receiver Donnie Avery appears to have settled into the No. 3 wide reciver slot for the Colts.
Insight: There's some potential here given that rookie of the year favorite Andrew Luck will be under center for Indianapolis in 2012. We're still a bit hesitant to endorse Avery as a top fantasy pick considering that he's never registered more than 700 yards in a season, but don't completely disregard the 28-year-old either.
Description: Colts linebacker Pat Angerer broke his foot in Sunday's preseason opener and will require surgery. He is expected to miss the first few games of the regular season.
Insight: Angerer was fourth in the league with 148 tackles so this will further hurt a rush defense that already gave up 143.9 ypg on the ground last season. Good news if you have a running back with Chicago, Minnesota and Jacksonville, their first three opponents.
Description: Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck looked sharp Sunday in the Colts' 38-3 demolition of St. Louis.
Insight: The rookie and No. 1 overall pick in last April's draft completed 10 of 16 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns including a big 63-yard score to running back Donald Brown. If Luck can keep this up, he should be able to contribute in fantasy right away.
Description: According to ESPN.com, Colts receiver Austin Collie is operating as the No. 2 receiver in two-wide sets in training camp.
Insight: With Pierre Garcon out of the picture in Indianapolis, Collie will work as an every down receiver, playing on the outside in the team's two tight end base set and in the slot when the team brings an extra wide receiver on the field. With accurate rookie Andrew Luck under center, Collie could have deep league value, especially in PPR formats.
Description: According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts have been showing a double tight-end offense in practices with Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen getting the reps.
Insight: This is actually a good sign for Fleener's first-year fantasy production as Allen is the better blocker and Fleener the better pass catcher. It likely means fewer three wide receiver sets and could hurt the fantasy values for backup wideouts Donnie Avery and T.Y. Hilton.
Description: According to Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, "Donald (Brown) is an every down back."
Insight: If true, this should greatly increase his fantasy value. Brown ran for 645 yards last season, but caught just 16 balls for 86 yards. If Brown is on the field as much as this quote implies, then he could post more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2012 and be a very good value based on his current fantasyfootballcalculator.com ADP of 81.4.
Description: Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano noted that his rookie quarterback Andrew Luck "is off the charts, as far as football IQ."
Insight: Three-time PAC-12 All-Academic, three-time PAC-12 first team, Maxwell and Walter Camp award winner from Stanford University... what was he expecting? He'll still struggle as a rookie when the game begin for real, but he should be a low-end fantasy starter in year one and improve from there.
Description: Indianapolis Colts running back Delone Carter missed all the offseason OTAs follow thumb surgery, but is practicing fully at this week's minicamp.
Insight: Carter had opportunities in his rookie year to grab the starting tailback job, but failed to produce (3.7 ypc). It appears that he'll have to fight Vick Ballard for the backup role to Donald Brown. Even if he wins the battle, he's still at best a handcuff for Brown and has little fantasy value.
