PRO FOOTBALL : Trudeau Helps Colts Limp by Atlanta, 13-9

Chris Chandler lay in pain on the floor of the Hoosier Dome, and Jack Trudeau, as he has done so often throughout his career, ran in from the sideline.

Within minutes of Trudeau’s entry, Dean Biasucci kicked the first of two field goals, and Trudeau later added a go-ahead touchdown Sunday to lead the Colts to a 13-9 victory over Atlanta.

Trudeau, who had his first chance to start three years ago when Gary Hogeboom was injured for 11 games, completed only two of six passes for 20 yards, but directed the late scoring drives.

Indianapolis Coach Ron Meyer said, “Now it appears (Trudeau) will be the starter again if the injury to Chandler is as severe as we think it is.”

With Atlanta leading 9-0 late in the third quarter and Chandler and running back Eric Dickerson on the sideline with injuries, Trudeau and backup tailback Albert Bentley led the comeback.

Trudeau’s go-ahead score was set up when Ezra Johnson sacked Atlanta quarterback Chris Miller, who then fumbled at the Falcons’ 23 in the third quarter. Trudeau passed 17 yards to Andre Rison, Bentley ran five yards and, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Trudeau sneaked in for the score.

Johnson again stopped the Falcons on their final possession, stripping the ball from backup quarterback Hugh Millen and the Colts took over for the final 1:18.

Dickerson had only a mild hamstring pull, but Chandler suffered ligament damage to his left knee. He said he’s not sure if he can play next week.

Dickerson totaled 80 yards rushing and failed to break a team record of 16 games with at least 100 yards he shares with former Colt Lydell Mitchell.