Colts send starting RT Gosder Cherilus on Injured Reserve

The Indianapolis Colts have placed starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus on season-ending Injured Reserve Wednesday, the team announced. Cherilus has been dealing with a groin injury recently, plus shoulder and knee issues, and hasn't played since week 15 against the Houston Texans.

Pro Football Focus graded him at -16.8 this season, which ranks 70th among 84 qualified offensive tackles and 72nd in pass protection. He allowed six quarterback sacks this season, with 42 pressures (27 hurries and 15 hits). Compare that to Andre Smith, who finished the season with half of the snaps but allowed four sacks and six pressures (five hurries and one hits).

A former-first round pick (No. 17 overall by the Detroit Lions in the '08 NFL draft), Cherilus allowed five pass disruptions against Carlos Dunlap in week seven, including a quarterback sack. He signed a five-year deal worth $34.5 million with $15.5 million guaranteed on March 12, '13.

Jack Mewhort, who started 13 games at left guard, started at right tackle during Indianapolis' regular season finale against Tennessee after Xavier Nixon allowed a quarterback sack and six disruptions the week before that against Dallas..

#colts Gosder Cherilus worked with rehab staff today. Obviously, it didn't go well. Has battled groin, knee, shoulder injuries. @rtv6

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 31, 2014

The truth with Gosder Cherilus is he probably should’ve been on IR weeks ago. But the depth was a problem and #Colts let him tough it out

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 31, 2014

Cherilus was a 13-game starter at RT for the @Colts this season. Joe Reitz would now seem to be the guy at right tackle going forward.

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) December 31, 2014