The Indianapolis Colts stormed into Week 8 with a statement win over the Tennessee Titans, delivering a commanding 38-14 victory on October 26, 2025. The matchup, played under the bright lights of Nissan Stadium, was marked by explosive runs, clutch throws, and a Colts roster that overcame a mountain of injuries to show just how deep and determined this team is.
Heading into the contest, the Colts had announced a lengthy list of inactives. Seven players were ruled out for the pivotal AFC South clash: defensive ends Samson Ebukam (knee) and Tyquan Lewis (groin), running back DJ Giddens, safety Reuben Lowery, tight end Will Mallory, linebacker Chad Muma, and offensive lineman Luke Tenuta. Ebukam and Lewis’s absences were confirmed on Friday and Saturday, respectively, leaving rookie JT Tuimoloau to shoulder a much larger role on the defensive line. For Giddens, it was his first time inactive this season, despite averaging a respectable 3.7 yards per carry over 18 rushes. His struggles in pass protection, however, opened the door for a healthy Tyler Goodson and the increasingly impactful Ameer Abdullah to take on expanded responsibilities.
The Colts’ defense also saw some shuffling, with Chad Muma’s role shrinking in the wake of Germaine Pratt’s arrival. Muma, once a regular at WILL linebacker, now found himself behind Austin Ajiake on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Reuben Lowery, a recent waiver claim, continued to acclimate to the team’s defensive schemes. Luke Tenuta and Will Mallory, both familiar faces on the inactive list, remained sidelined, while the rest of the squad prepared to take on a Titans team hungry for a turnaround in their season.
Despite these setbacks, the Colts came out firing. Jonathan Taylor wasted no time, breaking loose for an electrifying 18-yard touchdown rush on the opening drive. Taylor’s dominance didn’t stop there. In one of the game’s most jaw-dropping moments, he sprinted 80 yards to the end zone, leaving Titans defenders trailing in his wake and the crowd in stunned silence. Taylor’s stat line by the final whistle was the stuff of fantasy football dreams, as he racked up multiple touchdowns and showcased the vision and acceleration that made him one of the league’s most feared running backs.
Quarterback Daniel Jones, acquired in the offseason to stabilize the Colts’ passing attack, delivered a performance that left fans optimistic. Jones connected on several key throws, including a 50-yard bomb to Alec Pierce that set up a scoring opportunity. He tossed touchdown passes to both Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor, spreading the ball around and keeping the Titans’ defense guessing all afternoon. Pittman Jr. proved to be a reliable target, hauling in multiple receptions—including a 21-yard touchdown—and moving the chains with his sure hands and crisp route-running.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Titans showed flashes of resistance, particularly through Tyjae Spears, who powered his way into the end zone for a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Cameron Ward, the Titans’ quarterback, tried to rally his team with a series of quick passes and a 22-yard strike to Gunnar Helm. Yet, every time Tennessee seemed to build momentum, the Colts’ defense answered. Chris Lammons came up with a crucial interception, while Adetomiwa Adebawore and DeForest Buckner each recorded sacks, stalling the Titans’ drives and flipping the field in Indianapolis’s favor.
Special teams played their part as well. Rigoberto Sanchez delivered booming punts that pinned Tennessee deep, and Michael Badgley remained steady, converting all of his PATs and tacking on a 43-yard field goal for good measure. Even with a few penalties and some hard-fought returns by Chimere Dike, the Colts’ coverage units held firm, never allowing the Titans to seize the upper hand in field position.
Midway through the contest, the Colts’ offense hit its stride. Jones orchestrated a drive that culminated in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs, followed by another scoring toss to Michael Pittman Jr. The offensive line, despite missing Tenuta and shuffling personnel due to injuries, kept Jones upright and opened running lanes for Taylor and Abdullah. The Titans, meanwhile, struggled to generate consistent pressure, as Dre’Mont Jones and Roger McCreary’s sacks were among the few bright spots for a beleaguered defense.
Defensively, the Colts’ new faces made their presence felt. Germaine Pratt, recently added to bolster the linebacker corps, racked up tackles and played a key role in bottling up Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. JT Tuimoloau, thrust into action due to Ebukam and Lewis’s injuries, held his own against Tennessee’s offensive line, showing flashes of the talent that made him a high draft pick. The secondary, led by Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross, broke up passes and limited explosive plays, forcing Ward into checkdowns and hurried throws.
As the game wore on, the Titans’ frustrations mounted. Penalties, including a costly pass interference and holding calls, stalled their drives and wiped out what few big gains they managed. The Colts’ defense capitalized, with Neville Gallimore and Laiatu Latu combining for a sack and several pressures that disrupted Ward’s rhythm. Even as the Titans tried to claw their way back, the Colts’ lead grew insurmountable.
In the final quarter, Taylor added another touchdown, this time from 4 yards out, capping a methodical drive that chewed up clock and left little hope for a Titans comeback. The Colts’ bench erupted on the sidelines, sensing a much-needed win that would keep them in the thick of the AFC playoff race. “We just stuck to our game plan and trusted each other,” Taylor said postgame, his jersey grass-stained and his smile wide. “Even with guys out, everyone stepped up. That’s what it’s all about.”
The Titans, for their part, will look to regroup. Spears’s touchdown and a handful of explosive plays from Pollard and Dike weren’t enough to overcome turnovers and missed opportunities. As the clock ticked down and the Colts celebrated, it was clear which team had seized the moment.
With this win, the Colts not only silenced doubts about their depth but also sent a message to the rest of the division: injuries or not, they’re here to compete. The Titans, meanwhile, face tough questions about execution and consistency as they prepare for the next challenge on their schedule. For Indianapolis, Sunday’s victory was more than just a tally in the win column—it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of success in the NFL.
