The Indianapolis Colts have suspended wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie and cornerback Tony Brown for three games due to "conduct detrimental to the team," effectively ending their regular season, the team announced.

In response to their actions, the Colts have placed both players on the reserve/suspended list, as stated in an official statement released by the team.

Despite their impactful performances on special teams, both McKenzie and Brown were unexpectedly left on the sidelines as healthy scratches during the Colts' recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. McKenzie, who joined the Colts during free agency in March, has been a standout player in kick and punt returns, accumulating 152 kick return yards and 204 punt return yards, both of which are team highs. Meanwhile, Brown has been a key contributor, playing in 71 percent of the Colts' special teams snaps.

While their absence is undoubtedly notable, the Colts have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the season, overcoming significant setbacks such as the season-ending shoulder surgery of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson in October and the absence of star running back Jonathan Taylor, who has missed three consecutive games after undergoing right thumb surgery on November 29. The Colts have managed to secure five victories in their last six games, bringing their record to 8-6 and securing the final AFC playoff spot.

The suspension of McKenzie and Brown brings the total number of players suspended by the Colts this year to seven. Earlier this year, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr., who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles, and defensive end Rashod Berry were suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL's gambling policy, subsequently leading to their releases from the team. Additionally, cornerback Chris Lammons, who was signed by the Colts during free agency in July, faced a three-game suspension at the start of the season after violating the league's personal conduct policy. This suspension was a consequence of Lammons' involvement in a fight outside a club during the 2022 Pro Bowl in Las Vegas. Furthermore, defensive tackle Grover Stewart was suspended for six games due to a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, while defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad is currently serving a six-game suspension for the same reason.

The Colts will now turn to rookie wide receiver Josh Downs for return duties, while second-year player Darrell Baker Jr. will replace Brown on special teams coverage.

The team's ability to overcome numerous suspensions and injuries demonstrates their depth and resilience as they continue their push for a playoff berth. With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Colts will aim to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the postseason.

James Boyd, a seasoned journalist with experience covering the Indianapolis Colts, is currently serving as a Staff Writer for The Athletic, providing comprehensive coverage of the team. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Boyd hails from Romeoville, Illinois.