Colts will be down 5 original defensive starters vs Steelers

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts could be down five of their top defenders entering a critical home game against an undefeated team.

Indianapolis has ruled out defensive end Kwity Paye and cornerback Kenny Moore II for Sunday's 1 p.m. home game against the Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts have given "questionable" designations to defensive end Tyquan Lewis, right tackle Braden Smith, center Ryan Kelly and cornerback Chris Lammons.

The Steelers have ruled out edge rusher Alex Highsmith and running back Jaylen Warren, in addition to backup tight end MyCole Pruitt. Additionally, starting left guard Isaac Seumalo is doubtful to play.

The Colts will be down at least five starters from the defense they initially brought into training camp. Defensive end Samsom Ebukam tore his Achilles, cornerback JuJu Brents injured his knee and DeForest Buckner sprained his ankle, with each setback sending them to injured reserve.

Who is Kwity Paye's backup on the Colts depth chart?

With Paye out, the Colts will start Dayo Odeyingbo as well as Lewis on base downs if he's available to play despite wrist and calf issues that popped up mid-week and held him out of Thursday's and Friday's practices. If Lewis can't play, first-round rookie Laiatu Latu will start on base downs in addition to his work on passing situations.

MORE: The Colts are on a mission to make Anthony Richardson more accurate

Who is Kenny Moore's backup on the Colts depth chart?

With Moore out, the Colts will likely start Lammons in the nickel if he's available to play on the knee and ankle issues that caused him to miss Wednesday's and Thursday's practices. Their other nickel option is Samuel Womack, but they've been rotating him at outside cornerback with Dallis Flowers in Brents' old spot.

Indianapolis could have a full-strength offense now that Josh Downs is back from the high-ankle sprain that cost him the first two games. But that depends on the statuses of Smith and Kelly, who tend to rest on Fridays when dealing with nagging injuries and often find a way to play on Sunday. But Kelly's injury was a mid-week issue that formed in practice.

The Colts will need Smith at right tackle since that's where Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt lines up. To minimize his impact, this could be a game the Colts lean on Jonathan Taylor and the rushing attack, much like they did to beat the Steelers last season.

Indianapolis can benefit from some of the absences on Pittsburgh's end, however. Highsmith's injury places more pressure on Watt to deliver in the pass rush. His backup, Nick Herbig, profiles as a situational pass rusher, which the Colts could keep off the field by staying in possible run downs.

Warren's absence places the bulk of the Steelers running game on the shoulders of Najee Harris and Justin Fields.

And if Seumalo misses another game, the Steelers will be without their top interior offensive lineman to handle Colts nose tackle Grover Stewart in the run game.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts will be down 5 original defensive starters vs Steelers