As the Indianapolis Colts prepare to take on the Denver Broncos, they'll be getting some good news: several of their injured players will be returning, including several key starters. The Broncos game will be a do-or-die battle for the Colts, whose playoff hopes largely hang in the balance, and it appears that quite a few of the Colts' injured players will be returning.
Head coach Shane Steichen announced that the 21-day return window for center Ryan Kelly and linebacker Jaylon Carlies to return from injured reserve has been opened, meaning both will be eligible to practice today.
Ryan Kelly
Kelly was placed on injured reserve early in November with a calf injury, with Tanor Bortolini taking his place at center. Bortolini himself has since been injured.
One of several players who might be leaving the Colts after this season, Kelly signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Colts in 2020, and is set to enter free agency in 2025. In his career with the Colts, he has started 121 games, and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Kelly is the longest-tenured member of the Colts, and while he is a very good center, his age and the amount of money he commands -- as well as Bortolini's good performance in Kelly's absence -- has made it entirely possible that Kelly might not return next season.
For now, though, Steichen said Kelly will be the starting center once he returns to the starting line-up, including as soon as Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Jaylon Carlies
Linebacker Jaylon Carlies was placed on injured reserve in October with an ankle injury. He had just made the first start of his career in E.J. Speed's absence, and made five tackles and the first sack of his career before being injured.
Carlies was chosen in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and has had a promising rookie season. Before his injury, he played in seven games and amassed 21 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one sack, and one pass break-up.
Josh Downs
Considered one of the best wide receivers on the Colts roster, Downs was injured during the team's Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, and missed the Week 13 game against the New England Patriots. His presence has been sorely missed, as quarterback Anthony Richardson has had increasing issues with his receivers and tight ends routinely dropping perfectly good passes in recent weeks.
Downs and Richardson have had great chemistry throughout the season, and is overall an excellent wide receiver with a lot of potential. He will be a huge asset for the Colts as they prepare to take on the Broncos' elite defense.
Tanor Bortolini
Rookie Tanor Bortolini stepped in for Kelly following his placement on injured reserve, and his performance was a pleasant surprise for Colts fans. He played well in Kelly's absence, and his subsequent injury and placement under concussion protocol was a blow to an offensive line that has been struggling with injuries.
It appears that both Bortolini and Kelly could potentially play on Sunday; if Kelly is not fully recovered, Bortolini will likely start.
Braden Smith
The reason's for Smith's absence are not clear, but he is likely to miss his second consecutive game due to a personal matter. Steichen said he is not sure if he will return at all this season.
Matt Goncalves will start in Smith's absence, who filled in for Smith before and performed much better at the right side than he did when he played at left after Bernhard Raimann was injured.