Shane Steichen opens window for Tyquan Lewis to return from injured reserve

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare to play against the Detroit Lions, the defense is one step closer to getting a much-needed boost. Head coach Shane Steichen announced that defensive end Tyquan Lewis will be returning from injured reserve (IR).

Lewis was placed on IR after suffering an elbow injury in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before being injured, he had 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and nine quarterback pressures in just those four games.

Steichen said Wednesday that he has opened up the 21-day return window, meaning he can be activated at any time and return to the 53-man roster. He previously played often opposite of Kwity Paye, and was a standout for the Colts defense earlier in the season. He will especially help with run defense, which is an area where the defense has struggled. While the defense has improved, particularly in the pass rush, Lewis' return will be a big boost as they try to battle their way to playoff contention.

It's still not known if Lewis will be able to return in time for the Colts to take on the Lions, but regardless, his presence will help enormously, whenever he returns. The Colts defense has been plagued with injuries this season, having lost Paye and Lewis, as well as DeForest Buckner and Samson Ebukam. All except Ebukam have returned, so the defense is getting close to full strength.

Lewis will begin practicing immediately. The Colts held a walk-through rather than a full practice on Wednesday, so it isn't yet sure how much he has been able to participate.

He was selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and in his six seasons with the Colts, has racked up 95 tackles (67 solo), 26 tackles for loss 13.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble over 65 games.