Jerraud

Powers

Powers is set for a Monday MRI to determine the severity of his pull. The Colts’ 19th-ranked pass defense will hold their breath as they await word on their starting corner.

They must like what they’ve seen on tape. Powers dabbled with shadowing opposing No. 1 receivers last year, but Chuck Pagano typically “plays sides” at corner, using one at left cornerback and the other on the right side. Powers is ticketed for RCB. The left cornerback job will be wide open entering camp.

Powers sustained the injury while trying to brace his fall. “It just kind of popped out,” he said. Consider Powers questionable for next week’s game against the Ravens.

The Colts confirmed that Powers’ elbow “popped out” in Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, and an MRI apparently showed ligament damage even after X-rays came back negative. Powers was Indianapolis’ top cornerback and had been shadowing No. 1 receivers of late. The Colts’ run defense is arguably worse, but this will remain a pass defense to target during the fantasy playoffs.

His return is questionable. Powers walked to locker room after injuring his left arm. Justin Tryon will replace him in the lineup.

Jacob Lacey’s departure has thinned out the Colts’ secondary. Thomas, a 2010 third-rounder out of USC, appeared in just nine games last season due to knee issues. The Colts are aware the unit looks weak on paper and have been linked to disgruntled Cowboys corner Mike Jenkins.

He’s questionable to return. Ryan Tannehill had been exploiting the Brian Hartline-Powers matchup throughout the first three quarters. Former Patriots second-rounder Darius Butler has come on as his replacement.

Butler was a second-round pick in 2009 that flamed out in New England and was later cut by the Panthers. Now he’s thriving in Indy. “That’s the whole beauty of the mantra ‘next man up.’ Don’t give it up, once you get it,” interim coach Bruce Arians said. "(GM) Ryan (Grigson) gave (Butler) an opportunity to reclaim a career and he’s making the best of it.” Butler had two interceptions and returned one of them for a touchdown in last Thursday’s win over the Jags.

It’s a disappointing end to a disappointing season for Powers, who finished 78th among 105 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus’ 2012 cornerback ratings. Powers is scheduled for free agency in 2013. While the 25-year-old has flashed starting-caliber ability in the past, Powers has always been inconsistent and hasn’t played more than 12 games in any of his four seasons. For a playoff contending Colts team, this is still a significant blow.

The Colts will be without Powers and Vontae Davis (knee). It would be a concern if they were facing a real passing offense. Look for Cassius Vaughn and Darius Butler to start.