Colts at Bengals, 1 p.m. Sunday, CBS

INDIANAPOLIS – Rashaan Melvin, the Indianapolis Colts’ starting left cornerback, missed his second-consecutive practice Thursday, making it unlikely he’ll play Sunday because of the multiple steps required to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol.

So, now would be the time you’d expect second-round pick Quincy Wilson — who has been a healthy scratch the past three games — to get the long-awaited call to step into a more-prominent role in the Colts’ defense.

Or, maybe not.

Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino’s surprisingly candid comments about Wilson on Thursday called into question what, if any, role Wilson might have for the Colts this weekend.

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Asked about Wilson’s potential to contribute Sunday, Monachino said, “When we’re out here at practice, he’s gotta know that every down counts. … And if it’s third down and medium, he’s got to play tight coverage. And if he can’t, he can’t be out there. So, it’s not a matter of effort, and it’s not even a matter of intelligence or want-to. He just has to show us on the practice field that he is dialed in and ready to go and mature enough to never take a down off mentally. And that’s where he is right now.”

Monachino’s comments come after weeks of questions about why Wilson hasn’t had a role in the Colts’ defense, which enters this weekend 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game. Wilson, the 46th overall pick in the 2017 draft, started in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals and had a solid showing.

He aggravated a knee injury in that game and missed two weeks, but he’s been healthy the past three weeks and hasn’t seen the field.

The lack of playing time for Wilson in recent weeks raises questions about the divergent objectives of coach Chuck Pagano’s staff and General Manager Chris Ballard. Pagano is under fire and trying to salvage the season, while Ballard has one eye fixed on 2018 as he rebuilds the roster. It’s unclear whether Ballard has been onboard with Wilson’s inactivity, but getting Wilson some playing time would seem to be more in line with Ballard’s long-term view.

In any case, this might be the week the Colts play Wilson out of necessity.

If Melvin is out, their options for left cornerback are Wilson, Christopher Milton, Kenny Moore or Pierre Desir. Based on his prior performance, Wilson would seem to be the best option. Milton was the substitute outside cornerback this past Sunday and gave up a 52-yard completion on his first snap.

Whatever is or isn't happening in practice, the Colts need to weigh it versus Wilson’s playmaking ability on Sunday, which certainly seems substantial.

Follow IndyStar Colts Insider Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.