Final Week 18 injury report gives Jaguars reason for optimism vs. hapless Colts

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to finish the regular season on a high note when they face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18. Working in their favor is that they'll be as healthy as they can be for the finale while their division foes will be without a handful of key contributors.

Pederson met with the local media ahead of the Colts game and said that linebacker Ventrell Miller and left tackle Walker Little will miss the game.

"Ventral Miller, ankle, probably not going to make the game we'll see today, but I doubt he makes it." Pederson told reporters. "Walker Little won't make the game. So those are the only two. Everybody else is good."

Little suffered an ankle injury in Week 16, and Pederson had already said that the fourth-year left tackle would most likely sit out the last two games of the season. Hence, his absence in the finale doesn't come as a surprise.

Miller, on the other hand, has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury in recent weeks, but he's still suited up. But despite Pederson's remarks, the sophomore linebacker is listed as questionable for the game.

On the bright side, safety Darnell Savage cleared concussion protocol earlier this week and didn't appear in the final injury report. This tracks Pederson's comments about his availability for the finale.

"He cleared earlier in the week. Practiced last couple days, been looking good, feeling good. So expect him to play."

Savage entered protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He missed the win over the Tennessee Titans but has been a full participant in practice ahead of the finale. Below is the full injury report.

On the opposite sideline, the Colts will be without quarterback Anthony Richardson, who's been dealing with back spasms and didn't practice ahead of the finale. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the news when he met with reporters Friday.

Wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle), guard Quenton Nelson (ankle), and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. appeared on the injury report but are trending toward playing. On the other hand, cornerback JuJu Brents got the questionable tag for the finale.

The Jaguars must capitalize on the favorable matchup vs. Colts

The divisional bout will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium. Surprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts are a 5-point favorite despite the fact that they're seemingly in a state of disarray, according to a report by Zak Keefer and James Boyd of The Athletic. Either way, the Jacksonville Jaguars should be licking their chops ahead of the game.

Joe Flacco will be filling in for Anthony Richardson. He has been underwhelming this season, completing 66.8 percent of his throws or 1,497 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville defense has shown signs of life in the second half of the season, giving up 20 points or fewer in three of the past four games.

All things considered, the Jaguars have a realistic chance to beat the Colts in Week 18. Sure, it won't probably change the fact that they'll clean house in the offseason, but they can at least hold their head high knowing that they swept the Colts and finished 4-2 in the division.

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