INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts today announced that linebacker Anthony Walker has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Walker did not practice all week with a shoulder injury, and was initially listed as questionable on Friday. The team now has two players officially ruled out for Sunday: Walker and safety Clayton Geathers (knee).
The team's starter at the MIKE linebacker position, Walker has blossomed in his second NFL season in 2018; in 14 games with 13 starts, he's second on the team in tackles (102), and also has 10 tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack, one interception, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
Several players could be vying for playing time in Walker's place in Sunday's crucial late-season matchup against the Giants, including rookie Zaire Franklin, seventh-year veteran Najee Goode and first-year linebacker Ahmad Thomas who was promoted to the active roster to the practice squad on Dec. 14.
Franklin, a Syracuse product, has played in all 14 games with two starts on the year, and has 16 tackles, one pass defensed and four special teams stops so far on the season.
Goode has played in all 14 games, as well, and has six tackles and an interception on defense, and is tied for team-high honors with seven special teams tackles.
