How Grover Stewart’s Suspension Impacts Colts Defense

The loss of Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart will certainly have a big impact on the team's defense.

As if the news that rookie QB Anthony Richardson may miss the year due to potential shoulder surgery wasn’t tough enough for Indianapolis Colts fans to handle, there’s more to pile on.

It’s been reported that a pillar of the Colts' defense, Grover Stewart, will be suspended for six games due to PED use and violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

JUST IN: The NFL has suspended #Colts DT Grover Stewart for the next six games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Per the NFL, Stewart is eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 4 after Week 13.

— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) October 17, 2023

Horseshoe Huddle’s Jake Arthur states: “JUST IN: The NFL has suspended #Colts DT Grover Stewart for the next six games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Per the NFL, Stewart is eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 4 after Week 13.”

This is a massive blow in the worst way to the Colts defense. Alongside fellow defensive tackle and former All-Pro DeForest Buckner, Stewart was a monster in the middle and a serious problem for offensive guards and centers. He was also having a great season up to this point.

For the six games he’s played, he’s collected 20 tackles, 9 QB pressures, 5 QB hits, and constant stops in the ground game. Below are his Pro Football Focus grades for the season:

• Overall Defensive Grade: 75.2

• Run Defense Grade: 77.2

• Pass-Rushing Grade: 64.1

These are solid numbers for a defensive tackle and will be missed in the biggest way through the next six games. Stewart won’t be able to play until the December 10th meeting against the Cincinnati Bengals.

For now, defensive tackles Taven Bryan and Eric Johnson II will likely get a bump in reps. Also, rookie Adetomiwa Adebawore may get a chance to see the field more now. Lastly, there’s always the option to place defensive ends Tyquan Lewis or Dayo Odeyingbo into the interior given they’ve both played it at times this season.

This suspension for Stewart will put defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in a difficult spot. How will the veteran defensive mind fill this gaping void on the front? It will be something to monitor for the next six games for Indianapolis and a weak point for opposing offenses to attack.

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