Mike Wells, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Colts have to search for replacement for LB Trent Cole

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts already have trouble getting to the quarterback. Now they're adding the loss of one of their outside linebackers to the list of pass-rush problems.

The Colts have to find a replacement for Trent Cole in the lineup now that he's been placed on injured reserve with a back problem.

"We are going to have to figure that thing out and see how the game goes and how it plays out," coach Chuck Pagano said. "It's a tough deal. Trent is a warrior. He aggravated that thing, that back, in the game on Sunday. More than likely he is going to have to have a procedure done. It's a shame.

"He gives us so much in both the run and pass game. You can't replace guys like Trent Cole. I will say it again and I will say it a million times, it seems like it's next man up."

Who will be that next player for the Colts?

Not even Pagano knows the answer to that.

"I can't give you a name yet," he said. "We got four. We had five, now we have four at the outside linebacker spot. Those guys, our coaches, Brad White will have those guys ready to go and they will be ready to play."

The Colts only have four sacks through the first three weeks of the season. Not having Cole puts more pressure on linebacker Robert Mathis. The veteran has gotten off to a slow start so far this season, as he's yet to record a sack and only has four tackles on the season.

Akeem Ayers and Curt Maggitt join Mathis and Erik Walden as the other outside linebackers on the roster.

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