The Indianapolis Colts have been dealing with a range of injuries throughout the season, and the timeline for many players’ returns remains uncertain. Let’s take a closer look at some key injuries and the likelihood of players returning after the team’s bye week.
Key Injuries and Potential Returns:
Players on IR with a chance to return:
- Samson Ebukam, Edge
- Injury: Torn Achilles
- Status: Placed on IR during training camp
- Chance to return: Slim, but not impossible
Ebukam, the Colts’ 2023 sack leader, suffered an Achilles injury before the season began. Although his return seems unlikely, the team kept the door open by placing him on IR, allowing for a possible comeback if the Colts make a playoff run.
- Juju Brents, CB
- Injury: Knee
- Status: Placed on IR on September 10
- Chance to return: 50/50
Brents, who was already a key part of the Colts’ thin cornerback group, was placed on IR early in the season due to a knee injury. Though his status remains uncertain, his recent appearances at practice suggest a real possibility of him returning this season.
- Jaylon Carlies, LB
- Injury: Lower Leg
- Status: Placed on IR on October 26
- Chance to return: Likely
Carlies, who had been performing well as a rookie, suffered a lower leg injury in Week 7. He has been seen working out recently, and the Colts appear optimistic about his recovery, making his return more probable than Brents’.
- Ryan Kelly, C
- Injury: Lower Leg
- Status: Placed on IR on November 5
- Chance to return: Likely by Week 15 or 16
Kelly has missed several games due to multiple injuries, including a lower leg issue that landed him on IR. With the bye week coming up, there’s optimism about his return either in Week 15 or 16, pending his ability to practice.
Injured Players Not on IR:
- Josh Downs, WR
- Injury: Shoulder
- When it occurred: Week 12
- Expected return: Week 15 or 16
Downs missed Week 13 due to a shoulder injury, but it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue. With the bye week, he should be ready to return in either Week 15 or 16, likely in Week 15.
- Tanor Bortolini, C/G
- Injury: Concussion
- When it occurred: Week 12
- Expected return: Week 15
Bortolini was placed in concussion protocol after Week 12 and missed Week 13. With the bye week, he will have time to recover and should be cleared to play in Week 15, either as a backup or potentially starting if Kelly isn’t ready.
- Ashton Dulin, WR
- Injury: Ankle
- When it occurred: Week 12
- Expected return: Week 15 or 16
Dulin, known for his special teams contributions and ability to make plays as a depth receiver, was sidelined with an ankle injury in Week 12. There doesn’t seem to be a significant concern, and he should return by Week 15 or 16.
The Colts are hopeful for the return of several key players after the bye week as they continue to navigate a challenging season.
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