According to the Indianapolis Star’s Zak Keefer, the Indianapolis Colts defense received a big lift today, as both OLB Erik Walden (groin) and DE/DT Arthur Jones (ankle) practiced on a limited basis. Both players did not practice on Wednesday, but would be welcome additions to the Colts’ defense facing a potent Patriots’ offense on Sunday night.
Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Gosder Cherilus (78) may be watching from the sideline on Sunday Night against the Patriots, as he’s suffering from a sore groin. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Walden has not played since Week 8, when he suffered a groin injury in the Colts’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Arthur Jones has largely been out of the defensive lineup since Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he severely sprained his ankle.
While fill-in defensive players like Jonathan Newsome and Ricky Jean-Francois have played quite well in Walden and Jones’ absence respectively, the Colts’ defense will need all of the help it can get. Both Walden and Jones have proven to be solid contributors for the defense when healthy.
For some bad news; however, Colts’ starting right tackle Gosder Cherilus was still not seen practicing, after missing Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. The Colts lack little offensive tackle depth behind him with just veteran OG/OT Joe Reitz (more of a natural guard) and unproven 2nd-year OT Xavier Nixon.