The Colts have a few key players hurt coming into 2024.
Injuries are part of the game. In any sport, they are unavoidable, but in a game like football where contact is key, they tend to pop up much more frequently. Yes, injuries are to be expected, but they certainly are disappointing when the regular season hasn’t even started. That is exactly what is facing the Indianapolis Colts as they start the regular season this Sunday against the Houston Texans as a few key players are in doubt to take the field.
We know that Jelani Woods is lost for the season after having toe surgery. While not the most pivotal player on the roster, losing Woods doesn’t help either. It is the second straight year he will miss the entire season. There is nothing the team can do about that but move forward. We also know that Josh Downs has been on the shelf for some time after being injured in practice. He appears to be making progress, but his availability for Sunday is still unknown.
Josh Downs ‘progressing well’ while rehabbing high ankle sprain. No indication if he’ll practice Wed. https://t.co/mq1UVWjYra
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) September 2, 2024
Matt Gay has struggled during the preseason. Some of that was explained away because he didn’t have his normal holder. Now, the concern isn’t those misses but how much longer he could miss with a groin injury. While he hasn’t been ruled out, a groin injury for any player, but especially a kicker doesn’t sound promising. It also isn’t a promising way to kick off a new season.
The Houston Texans are already favored in this game and are the favorites to win the division. Being without three key players and returning a quarterback who missed the majority of last year isn’t ideal. While a week one game is never a must win, dropping this one at home to a division rival would once again start the Colts behind the eight ball.
The good news is that outside of Woods, no one has been officially ruled out. There is still a chance that Josh Downs and Matt Gay will be ready for action when the Colts kick off their season on Sunday. I am sure the Colts will be careful not to rush back either player considering they need them for the long haul and not just this week. Here’s hoping they are healthy and ready to take on the Texans.
