Colts notes: More changes to come?

What was said around the Indianapolis Colts complex Wednesday:

More changes loom

Injuries and performance have led to recent lineup changes, primarily Donald Brown for Trent Richardson at running back and Jeff Linkenbach for Mike McGlynn at right guard.

More might be on the way.

At wide receiver, signs point toward more of rookie Da'Rick Rogers and less of veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey. Rogers made his NFL debut last Sunday against Tennessee when he was on the field for 13 offensive plays. He failed to catch a pass, but drew a 26-yard interference penalty against Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner in the second quarter that led to one of Adam Vinatieri's five field goals.

"More snaps means more opportunities to make plays," Rogers said. "I just want to get out there and do the right things and be in the right place for Andrew (Luck).''

Coach Chuck Pagano was non-committal when asked if Rogers might see more playing time and Heyward-Bey less Sunday at Cincinnati.

"We've got four guys on the 53-man roster right now at the wide receiver position and we've got to do a great job of playing to their strengths," he said. "We're going to need them all."

Heyward-Bey has gone through a tough stretch since Reggie Wayne suffered a season-ending knee injury Oct. 20 against Denver. Over the past five games, he has been targeted 26 times but managed just nine receptions for 96 yards. He also suffered a glaring drop against the Titans. Luck's passer rating while targeting Heyward-Bey during that stretch: 30.3.

"I stay out of that process," Luck said of whom might start alongside T.Y. Hilton against the Bengals. "I have 100 percent confidence in anybody that comes in to play. Hope they have 100 percent confidence in me to do my job."

• Our analysis: It's time to determine if Rogers or LaVon Brazill can offer more than what the Colts are getting from any receiver not named T.Y. Hilton. It won't be a surprise if Heyward-Bey is relegated to No. 4 behind Hilton, Brazill and Rogers.

Someone must step up and help ease the burden on Hilton. Since posting consecutive 100-yard games against Houston and St. Louis — 14 catches, 251 yards, three TDs — he has had just five receptions for 128 yards the past three games.

Line shuffle

The offensive line faces another adjustment as Linkenbach will miss the Cincinnati game with a torn quadriceps.

"Have not made any final decisions on anything as far as the offensive line goes," Pagano said.

McGlynn might return to the starting lineup, or Joe Reitz might replace Linkenbach. Pagano was asked if any changes might include center Samson Satele, who is ranked 31st among centers by Pro Football Focus.

"We evaluate daily. We evaluate weekly," Pagano said. "We'll do whatever we have to do at any position ... what gives us the best chance to win football games."

The status of starting left guard Hugh Thornton bears watching after he missed Wednesday's practice with a neck injury.

Snow man?

The advanced forecast calls for a chance of snow Sunday in Cincinnati. Luck insisted that won't be an issue even though he has never had to play in such conditions.

"I probably haven't played in the snow since I was throwing the football around as a kid," he said. "Very excited about it. I love playing outside.

"I don't think you want to talk about it too much. You start thinking about that, you're thinking about the wrong things."

Medical update

CB Greg Toler saw limited activity in Wednesday's practice. He has missed the past five games with a groin injury. Players who missed practice: S Sergio Brown (hand), defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (foot), Linkenbach (quad), Thornton (neck) and linebacker Robert Mathis (rest).

Charting the Pro Bowl

Only three Colts are among the top 10 in the positional fan voting for the Jan. 26 Pro Bowl. Mathis is No. 3 at outside linebacker, Luck No. 6 at quarterback and Adam Vinatieri No. 8 at place-kicker. Voting continues at NFL.com through Dec. 26.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830. You can follow him on Twitter at @mchappell51.

Helping hand(s)

The Colts hold the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture despite having to adjust their roster almost on a weekly basis because of injuries. A look at which teams have used the most players, and the fewest, this season according to the NFL, along with each team's record according to the NFL: