Colts’ defensive tackle Raekwon Davis remains on the non-football illness with high blood pressure. Following Wednesday’s joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Shane Steichen provided a brief update.
“I hope not,” Steichen said when asked if Davis could miss time during the regular season. “He’s progressing well, so hopefully he’ll be out there sooner rather than later.”
Davis was placed on the NFI list prior to training camp beginning and is yet to practice.
The Colts signed Davis during free agency to a two-year $14 million contract to bolster their defensive tackle depth. The Colts’ run defense would struggle last season when Grover Stewart wasn’t on the field.
The addition of Davis is supposed to provide a boost in that part of the game, although in Gus Bradley’s attacking scheme, there is possibly some untapped potential for Davis as a pass rusher as well.
“Playing with Buckner and Grove, I feel like it’s a great fit for me,” Davis said this offseason via the Indy Star.
In Davis’ absence, Taven Bryan and Adetomiwa Adebawore have seen more opportunities. SI’s Albert Breer would call Bryan a “camp surprise,” while Adebawore is perhaps the team’s most improved defensive tackle, as Bradley put it recently. However, both are known more for their pass rush abilities than run defense.
Next week is the final week of practices before the Colts’ preseason finale with Cincinnati on August 22nd.
If Davis needs additional time to ramp up or is still not ready to return, he can begin the season the NFI list, which will force him to miss at least the first four games. If that’s the case, Davis won’t count towards the Colts’ initial 53-man roster.
