Colts’ strategic shake-up sidelines JT Tuimoloau in surprising season opener against Dolphins
The Indianapolis Colts kicked off their season with an impressive victory against the Miami Dolphins, yet one notable absence from the game was defensive end JT Tuimoloau. As a second-round pick in April’s draft, Tuimoloau arrived in Indianapolis with considerable expectations, making his status as one of the seven inactive players a point of intrigue and speculation.
Unexpected Inactivity
Tuimoloau’s omission from the lineup raised eyebrows, particularly given the Colts’ recent history with second-round draft picks. Former defensive end Ben Banogu, also a second-round selection, faced a similar fate, being inactive for nine games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons without a single start to his name. Fans and analysts alike were left wondering if history was repeating itself.
However, Colts head coach Shane Steichen clarified the rationale behind Tuimoloau’s status as a healthy scratch.
“It was a strategic decision,” Steichen explained. “We went deep with the DTs in that game. That’s really what went into it.”
Strategic Decisions Behind the Scenes
In preparation for the Dolphins’ formidable inside rushing attack, the Colts opted to dress all five of their interior defensive linemen, prioritizing depth in a critical area. Tuimoloau, being the last defensive end on the depth chart, found himself on the sidelines come gameday.
Steichen noted that while this decision was specific to the matchup against Miami, it may not become a consistent pattern throughout the season. “Will it be like that every week? I don’t know,” he said. “It just depends on the team we’re playing.”
Looking Ahead
With the Colts gearing up for their next matchup against the Denver Broncos, Tuimoloau’s opportunity to take the field in his first NFL game is on the horizon. The strategic choices made by the coaching staff could shift as the season progresses, and fans will be watching closely to see how Tuimoloau fits into the Colts’ evolving defensive scheme.
