ANDERSON, Ind. -- There was a point last season when the defensive line was the strong suit of the defense for the Indianapolis Colts.
That’s not the case anymore, due to bodies continuing to go out of the lineup one by one.
First, Henry Anderson. Next, Art Jones. And now, Kendall Langford.
Langford’s status for the Week 1 game against the Detroit Lions -- along with his consecutive games played streak -- is in question after he hasd surgery on his knee Monday.
Langford, who has played in 128 straight games, was the team’s best defensive lineman last season. Jones will miss the first four games after being suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs. Anderson is still on the physically unable perform list, working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
“The great thing is we have a bunch of guys that have versatility, position flexibility,” coach Chuck Pagano said. “... We’ve got a bunch of guys that know a bunch of different spots.”
The Colts will need versatility to make up for the loss of their top three players up front. Zach Kerr and T.Y. McGill will have increased roles on the line with second-year defensive tackle David Parry, who started every game last season. Rookie Hassan Ridgeway and Ricky Lumpkin have an opportunity to show they deserve snaps during the regular season over the next few weeks.
