The Indianapolis Colts were back on the practice field Thursday for their second practice of the week as they prepare for a playoff-like game against Denver.
Below is the Day 2 injury report, followed by what you need to know from it:
Thursday’s practice report for #INDvsDEN: pic.twitter.com/w0lOduvvm4
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 12, 2024
– For the second day in a row, Ashton Dulin and Braden Smith did not practice. Dulin is still working through an ankle injury he suffered against Detroit and that kept him out of the New England game. Oftentimes, two days of missed practice to begin the week is not a good sign for Sundays. Smith is absent due to a personal matter, and Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that it is unlikely he will play on Sunday.
– The one change to the injury report was that Josh Downs went from being limited on Wednesday to a full participant on Thursday. We will see what Friday holds but that is certainly a step in the right direction, and against a very good Denver defense, having Downs back would be a big boost for the Colts’ passing game.
– Ryan Kelly has been designated to return from injured reserve and was a limited participant the first two days of practice. It remains to be seen if he will play Sunday or if he will need more time to ramp up. I would guess that he would be a full participant in at least one practice if he’s going to play after being out for the last month.
– Tanor Bortolini, DeForest Buckner, Jaylon Carlies, and Michael Pittman were all full participants for the second day in a row–a good sign for Sunday. Since Carlies is on IR still, if he’s going to be available, he will have to be added back to the 53-man roster first, which means a corresponding cut will follow to make room.
