As the Indianapolis Colts returned to practice on Monday, for the first time since last Thursday’s road victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they broke some bad news about the injury status of two starting defensive players. On Monday, the Colts placed corner back Jerraud Powers and nose tackle Drake Nevis on the Injured Reserve list. This news has to be a letdown for a team that has been banged up on defense all season, and was hoping to use a few extra days of rest to get a bit more healthy.
Jerraud Powers injured a toe against the Miami Dolphins in week nine, and did not return to the field. A toe injury is particularly bothersome for a corner back, who spends much of his time and effort on speed, balance, and pivoting to cover opposing wide receivers. Powers had 45 tackles and one interception in eight games this season.
Drake Nevis (hand injury) ends his season on Injured Reserve for the second straight year. Nevis had 20 tackles and a sack over nine games (three starts) played this season for the Colts. With the injury to Nevis putting him on the shelf for the remainder of this year, rookie defensive tackle Josh Chapman has been activated from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. Chapman, a fifth round draft pick out of Alabama, has been getting healthy after suffering an ACL injury in October of last year. If he can stay healthy in his return to the field, Chapman could be a game changer on defense for the Colts. Champman, at 6ft and 316lbs, is now going to be given an opportunity to show his potential as a pro.