Before practice on Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that linebacker EJ Speed should be back on the practice field, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.
After playing all of the team’s defensive snaps in Week 6 against Tennessee, Speed popped up on the injury report last Wednesday with a knee injury.
He returned to practice on Thursday and seemed to be trending in the right direction as he was a full participant on Friday. The Colts initially listed him as questionable, but downgraded him to doubtful on Saturday.
Without Speed, Jaylon Carlies took over as the nickel linebacker next to Zaire Franklin with Grant Stuard as the SAM when in their 4-3 alignment.
However, after Carlies exited the game, Stuard became the other nickel backer and Segun Olubi was the third linebacker when in base. Both Stuard and Olubi ended up making game-changing plays in that game.
With Steichen mentioning on Monday that Carlies will miss some time, the Colts are a bit thin at linebacker, especially with the current unknown around Speed’s status–although having him back at practice is certainly a good sign.
We will find out later in the day whether speed was limited or a full participant and it’ll be worth watching how he progresses throughout the week.
In six games, Speed is third on the team in tackles–even with missing a game–and has totaled six pressures and held pass catchers to 8.8 yards per catch in coverage.
Also on the practice field Wednesday for the Colts are Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
