Colts vs Titans Results, Match Player Stats & Records

"I don't think they've punted and they've been really, really good moving the ball," Callahan said. "We have to go play well."

Given that Tennessee enters the matchup with an 0-2 mark, even playing well might not result in a win. But to give the home crowd a victory and get rookie quarterback Cam Ward his first professional "W," the Titans first will have to figure out a way to win the running game.

Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones, cast aside by the New York Giants midway through last year, suddenly looks like the guy the Giants gave a four-year, $160 million contract after he led the team to the playoffs in 2022.

Through two games for his new team, Jones is 45 of 63 for 588 yards with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. His passer rating is a pristine 111.1. He's done significant damage against the blitz, facing more than a four-man rush on 47 pass attempts. He has 32 completions, 25 for first downs.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen has been complimentary of Jones' ability to stare down the oncoming charge of multiple defenders and deliver.

"He's a tough player," Steichen said. "I think on the one where they had the helmet-to-helmet on him last week, he popped his lip and was bleeding on the sideline, but didn't even phase him. He was just like, ‘Here we go.' I think he's tough. He stands in there, delivers the ball with accuracy. He's been doing a hell of a job for us."

The presence of Jonathan Taylor in his backfield only helps. The reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week is coming off a 165-yard rushing effort last week in a 29-28 win over the Denver Broncos and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry so far.

Tennessee needs to find a way to neutralize Taylor while turning its top running back, Tony Pollard, loose on the Colts' defense. Pollard is coming off a 92-yard performance last week in a 33-19 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Getting Pollard off the mark should give Ward better spots to throw and lessen the chances of Indianapolis' pass rush swamping him in the backfield. The Titans have allowed a league-worst 11 sacks, and while a couple of those have been Ward holding the ball too long, the protection in front of the rookie simply breaks down too often.

With right tackle JC Latham (hip) out for a second straight game and right guard Kevin Zeitler (biceps) listed as questionable, there is reason to wonder if Tennessee can adequately protect Ward. But Callahan is optimistic that John Ojukwu, Oli Udoh or both can do the job.

"We've got to do our part to help them, and they've got to do their part to play," Callahan said.

Callahan wouldn't say who is replacing Latham against the Colts but Oli Udoh and John Ojukwu split the practice reps Thursday and Friday.

Ward finished 19 of 33 for 175 yards last week against the Rams. He threw his first touchdown pass on a play that he kept alive for nearly eight seconds by scrambling right before flinging a 9-yard strike across his body to Elic Ayomanor.

"This guy's a talented player," Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. "He's played against two really good teams, so he's seen a bunch of things thrown at him and kind of his feel for this is ... you can see it growing week by week."

Anarumo's boss, Steichen, believes Indianapolis' fast start has much to do with discipline and togetherness.

"I think they're playing together," he said. "I think everyone's dialed in every play. The camaraderie is great."

Indianapolis cornerback Charvarius Ward and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are expected to play against Tennessee after having their respective questionable designations removed by the team Saturday.

Charvarius Ward cleared concussion protocol, while Warren was dealing with a toe injury.

Warren is the team leader in receptions with 11.

Wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle), who missed practice earlier in the week, was a full participant Friday and will play. Downs is third on the team with eight receptions this season.

Tennessee ruled out nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat (ankle) while safety Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) is doubtful. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (back) returned to practice Friday and is one of five Titans listed as questionable. Running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) is among the others.

--Field Level Media