According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arthur Jones is seeking the opinion of yet another foot and ankle specialist in regards to the ankle injury he suffered in Saturday night’s preseason game:
To be clear, a source tells me #Colts DT Art Jones now waiting for ANOTHER foot & ankle specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson, to review his scans
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 1, 2015
Given recent developments, it doesn’t exactly sound encouraging that Jones will be available for the team’s upcoming regular season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 13th or anytime soon for that matter:
Saw Art Jones in the locker room today. Didn't wanna comment on injury, but it's clear he's got a serious injury. Laboring to walk.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 1, 2015
On Tuesday, head coach Chuck Pagano couldn’t offer much of an update on the status of Jones injured ankle:
"“Art Jones. Still awaiting some final evaluations,” said Pagano. “No update on him.”"
If Jones is out for an extended period of time, it would be a considerable blow to the Colts defensive line, especially in the run-stopping department. At a listed 6’3, 320 pounds, Jones has the size and special ability to be one of the defensive line’s true difference-makers against the ground game.
In his absence, the team will likely turn to rookie 3rd round pick Henry Anderson for a larger role, as well as returning rotational defensive lineman such as Zach Kerr and Montori Hughes.
In the mean time, Colts fans will be crossing their collective fingers, as hopefully this ankle injury isn’t one that keeps the indispensable Jones out for an extended period of time.
Update (4:10 PM): According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, depending on Jones ankle prognosis, the Colts are contemplating whether to place Jones on short-term Injured Reserve with a designation to return later:
"“But one option being discussed by the Colts, sources said, is placing Jones on the NFL’s short-term injured reserve list, a move that would allow Jones to return to the lineup this season but would require Jones to miss half the regular season,” writes Holder."
By NFL rule, each teams gets one such short-term Injured Reserve distinction each season. The severity of the player’s injury must keep him out of football for at least 6 weeks, while he must in turn spend at least 8 weeks on the team’s injured reserve before roster activation.
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