Colts list five inactive players for Week 5 at Steelers, including Dulin and Key

The Indianapolis Colts announced five players listed as inactive for their Week 5 game at the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 11, a move that will thin rotation depth on both sides of the ball. The Colts previously ruled out linebacker Jaylon Carlies with a rib injury, wide receiver Ashton Dulin with a hamstring issue, defensive end Arden Key with a hamstring problem, and wide receiver Darius Slayton with a knee injury.

Inactives in the NFL are team designations made ahead of kickoff, and they typically report that a player was not able to clear game-day availability standards. That usually impacts snap distribution and coverage or pass-rush matchups, especially when the unavailable players were expected to contribute in regular rotations.

For Indianapolis, the absences span two roles that matter early in game planning. On offense, losing Dulin and Slayton reduces the wide receiver options for route combinations and third-down packages, particularly if either player would have been used as a targeted mismatch. On defense, Key’s absence affects the front’s ability to generate pressure, while Carlies’ status removes an inside linebacker presence that can influence run fits and underneath coverage responsibilities.

The Colts’ official injury designations did not list new details beyond the injury types and the inactive status. However, because hamstring and knee issues often limit full speed and range of motion, the Colts likely opted for caution to avoid a late-game setback. Rib injuries can also limit pad level and contact intensity, which can affect tackling and coverage competitiveness even if a player participates in practice.

The Colts’ announcement stated there were five inactive players overall, but the excerpt available here specifically identifies four of them by name and injury category. The fifth inactive player is not included in the provided text, so any additional personnel impacts beyond those four cannot be confirmed from the available material.

From Pittsburgh’s perspective, the matchup shapes opponent scouting, particularly around how the Steelers might pressure protection schemes and adjust to fewer receiver targets. For Indianapolis, the immediate priority will be how the next wave of players handles expanded roles, especially on early downs where defensive matchups can dictate play calling.

What to watch next is whether any of the ruled-out players show improvement leading into the following week. For fans and beat observers, the most telling day-to-day indicators will come through the team’s participation reports in practice, which often foreshadow whether players are likely to return or remain limited.