Indianapolis Colts DE Robert Mathis says he’ll play Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Ryan Diem, who has started 28 consecutive games at right tackle, said while he’s not quite so certain he does expect to play Sunday when the Colts attempt to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
“It’s crunch time,” Mathis said as the AFC South champion Colts (12-0) prepared to play the Denver Broncos (8-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m.
“It’s December football. It’s time to go.”
Mathis, who sustained a quadriceps injury Sunday, missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but returned Friday. Diem, who has started 28 consecutive games — 30 including the postseason — missed practice Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury.
“In my mind, I’ll be there,” Diem said. ”Obviously, it will be something we test out. I’m not going to push it for no good reason. I’m preparing as if I’ll be there. I’m not going sacrifice the team for some starting streak, but if it’s ready to go, I’ll be there.”
If Diem can’t play, Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell said it’s not yet certain who will start. Tony Ugoh is the backup left and right tackle, but Caldwell said there are other options. One possibility: LT Charlie Johnson has played right tackle and could moved there with Ugoh starting at left.
While Mathis and Diem say they’ll play, RB Donald Brown, S Aaron Francisco, K Adam Vinatieri and WR Anthony Gonzalez have been ruled out.
LT Charlie Johnson practiced the last two days of the week and Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell on Friday said Johnson is trending toward positive. Caldwell also said DE Keyunta Dawson is “trending toward positive,” and after practicing all three days this week, Dawson — who missed the last three games with a knee injury — said Friday he will play.
“I’m back,” Dawson said.