The Indianapolis Colts have suffered numerous injuries to key playmakers during the start of the 2024 NFL season, forcing the team’s depth chart to be tested across the board. At linebacker, one name stood out this year: Grant Stuart.
Stuard is in the middle of his third year in Indianapolis and is primarily used as a special teams weapon. Last year, Stuard returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against the division rival Tennesee Titans. After showing his potential for a few years, Stuard was given the chance to start in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins due to a EJ speed injury and he stepped up, recording 19 total tackles.
His outstanding performance earned him a few more snaps against the Houston Texans in Week 8. Unfortunately for Stuard, he was fined over five thousand dollars after leading with his helmet for a tackle for which he did not was not reported.
Here is. No flag. pic.twitter.com/i5YsgQVV8V
–Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) November 2, 2024
The NFL is cracking down on dangerous tackles in 2024 and the league deemed Stuard’s removal of Texans running back Joe Mixon in the third quarter as “unnecessary roughness.” For a linebacker hired to make just over $1 million this season, a $5,861 fine isn’t the best news.
Heading into Week 9, it’s not unlikely that the Colts will continue to give Stuard some opportunities on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Shane Steichen called his 19-tackle performance “special” and that Stuard is “relentless” on the field.
More Grant Stuard (#41) likes because his career-high day against the Dolphins (18 tackles) required a lot of behind-the-scenes work that paid off.
Shane Steichen on Stuard’s day: “I’ll tell you what, that guy is relentless…He was flying around the field all day. It was special.” #Colts pic.twitter.com/2li2MJYToE
– Noah Compton (@nerlens_) October 21, 2024
The Colts are heading into a Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, a game that could push them over the .500 mark. Stuard’s energy will be indispensable in response to a hard-nosed Minnesota offense featuring Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson.
Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!
Follow Horseshoe hug on Facebook And Xand subscribe on YouTube for several live-streamed Colts podcasts per week.
