Despite him being a rookie, the Drew Ogletree loss will really hurt the Colts
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts lost promising rookie tight end, Drew Ogletree, for the season to an ACL injury sustained in practice.
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts held a joint practice against the Detroit Lions and the energy was high. Both teams were competing and Indy’s offense had one of its most productive days of camp yet. However, the excitement of Wednesday now has a dark cloud over it after the Colts learned some news that they feared the most.
During Wednesday’s practice, promising rookie tight end, Drew Ogletree, went down and had to be helped off the field. Immediately after practice, head coach, Frank Reich, admitted to the media that the team feared it was a significant knee injury and that was confirmed Wednesday night when it was reported that Ogletree had torn his ACL and will be sidelined for the season.
While all injuries are unfortunate, some fans, or those who haven’t been paying attention to the Colts, may be inclined to brush this off as an injury that isn’t a huge blow for Indianapolis. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Although Ogletree is a rookie tight end that was drafted in the sixth round to a tight end-rich team, his absence will be felt by Indy.
Everything happens for a reason. I appreciate all the love and prayers sent my way! Just another chapter to the book!
— Tree (@DrewOgletree) August 18, 2022
Drew Ogletree was making noise for Colts
Despite being taken in the sixth round, after Indy had already drafted Jelani Woods in the third round, and likely starting camp as the fourth tight end, Ogletree had quickly made a name for himself with Indianapolis. He was producing daily, doing everything asked of him, and earning himself more reps by the day.
After several quality practices, highlighted by a one-handed touchdown snag, Ogletree had worked his way up to being TE3 and there was a strong sense that he would have an actual role in the Colts’ offense as a rookie. Unfortunately, Ogletree will have to wait until year two to make his impact and Indy has to find a way to replace the production they were planning to get from Ogletree.
For the Colts, that likely starts with getting Jelani Woods up to speed. While Ogletree had jumped Woods on the depth chart, Woods is also a talented tight end so he must be ready to step up. Additionally, Indy will need consistency out of its receivers.
Ultimately, Drew Ogletree’s ascent throughout training camp was one of the most exciting stories and this being how his rookie season ends is heartbreaking and it will be a loss that’s surely felt in Indianapolis.
