The Indianapolis Colts were seemingly ready to do a bit of an overhaul of their roster. The older veterans, such as Zaire Franklin and Kenny Moore, were free to leave or be traded. Longtime starting right tackle Braden Smith walked to the Houston Texans in free agency, too.
His replacement is likely ascending second-year pro Jalen Travis. The 2025 fourth-round pick got some experience last season when he filled in for Smith for four games (and left tackle Bernhard Raimann for one), and allowed just one sack. The problem now, though, is that Travis is already dealing with a back injury.
He isn't able to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) yet. He is dressed and watching, but the team is holding him out. Potentially, this is not a long-term issue, but Travis is only 24 years old and already has back problems, which could be a terrible sign.
Jalen Travis's back problems might be causing the Indianapolis Colts headaches
The Colts don't simply need Travis to start at right tackle (presumably, as right guard Matt Goncalves could move over to right tackle while Travis moves inside) this year, but well into the future. Back issues are a problem for any player, but worse for an offensive lineman tasked with taking and delivering punishment on every play.
The issue can also linger and recur. The hope, of course, is that Jalen Travis never has a negative situation with his back ever again, but the situation could also be that he is fine in training camp and then struggles with the injury for many weeks in the regular season.
Cohesion is a key to a successful offensive line. Having the same five starters in practice and games is exceedingly important. This is especially true as the line gets used to Travis being the presumptive starter at right tackle for the foreseeable future, but doing so for the first time in OTAs.
Travis's backup is Luke Tenuta, who has been in the NFL for a bit but has rarely played offensive snaps. He has only eight reps at right tackle in his career, and seven of those came with the Green Bay Packers in 2022. He did play 26 snaps against a great Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 15 last season, and allowed just one quarterback pressure, but that was at left tackle.
Hopefully, Jalen Travis's back issue isn't a real concern for the Indianapolis Colts once the real games start. Still, Indy fans might need to keep an eye on the situation before it wrecks Daniel Jones' protection on his right side.
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