The Indianapolis Colts lost to the Green Bay Packers in their second game of the preseason, and it was ugly. Not only did the Colts lose, but the roster has become absolutely riddled with injuries.
Indianapolis lost rookie Hunter Wohler with a foot injury, a major blow considering how promising his performance has been so far, and running back Tyler Goodson. The injuries have been mounting for the Colts, and one of the biggest positions of need just took another hit, too.
Blake Freeland came into the game after starter Braden Smith left with a groin injury, and very quickly, Freeland himself was injured, too. Unfortunately, his injury appeared to be significantly more severe than Smith's; after he went down, his teammates surrounded him before he was taked off the field in an air cast.
The Indianapolis Colts' next move after Blake Freeland injury is clear
Unfortunately, the severity of his injury has now been confirmed; in his post-game press conference, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Freeland suffered a leg fracture, and he will be out for the rest of the season.
It's a huge blow to an already battered offensive line; Bernhard Raimann is fighting through an ankle injury, and as mentioned, Smith has an injured groin. Freeman was replaced by Luke Tenuta, and while Tenuta played well enough against the Packers, the Colts desperately need more depth at the offensive line.
Indianapolis needs to find a more seasoned veteran to add depth and experience to this embattled position. And thankfully, there are some decent options that Chris Ballard needs to start looking into - now.
George Fant
Fant was a starter for the Houston Texans in 2023. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2024 season, but was injured almost immediately in Week 1. He continued to suffer injuries throughout the season, leaving him to appear in just two games. He was then released in March.
Fant could be a decent option to consider just to add some depth for the Colts; the price tag isn't too high, and despite his injury issues, he's a reliable (if not incredible) tackle. He's a bit older, but this is a triage situation; the Colts don't need to get the next Bernhard Raimann right now, but just someone who can be there and do a decent enough job if a starter is injured.
Entire team comes on to the field before Blake Freeland is carted off the field. Tough to see.#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/lExBNI4PJT
— Max Lewis (@MaxLewisTV) August 16, 2025
Chris Hubbard
Hubbard could be another good option for Ballard to consider. Like Fant, he's a little bit older, but is also an affordable free agent who can fill the hole if needed. He's played multiple positions on the offensive line throughout his career, which could make him valuable as the Colts suffer injury after injury in this unit; Hubbard could be a backup for multiple different positions.
Hubbard will not be an elite-level lineman, but when the priority is someone to provide experience and depth, he would be a decent choice. Hubbard has over a decade of time in the NFL, and he's capable, which is all the Colts will need.
Ultimately, though, Ballard needs to move quickly and sign a free agent for the offensive line - now. The roster isn't getting any healthier as the preseason continues, and with the quarterback situation being what it is, the Colts need a healthy offensive line - badly.