According to Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen, Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Arthur Jones has already lost 20 pounds this offseason in an attempt to put less strain on his lower joints:
Art Jones said today he lost about 20 pounds this offseason, wanted to feel lighter on his knees/ankles (battled high ankle sprain in 2014).
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 3, 2015
Not only will this place less wear-and-tear on his ankles and knees, but Jones will become lighter on his feet and perhaps gain some additional quickness. The results were on full display Monday, when Jones was highly disruptive in the Colts offense’s backfield (via Bowen):
"“Full pads are coming Wednesday for the Colts,” writes Bowen. “Arthur Jones played on Monday afternoon like the pads were already on. On at least three separate occasions on Monday, Jones was in the backfield blowing up a Colts running play.”"
Jones may be the most important defensive lineman on the Colts, as he has the chance to be a true difference-maker if fully healthy. Last season, Jones was hampered by a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 that cost him the team’s next 8 games. While he returned, he was never quite 100% the rest of the way.
By shedding some excess weight from his formerly listed 337 pounds, Jones could help to prevent future injury regarding his ankle. The Colts desperately need him in there, as they’re largely a different run defense with him starting and providing an interior presence.
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