While it looked like both players would have a serious shot to play on Sunday, both returning hopefuls will wait at least one more week.
On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts downgraded both rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) and veteran center Ryan Kelly (knee) to ‘Out’ against the Denver Broncos:
Injury Update: LB Jaylon Carlies (Fibula/Shoulder) and C Ryan Kelly (Knee) remain on IR and have been downgraded to out for #INDvsDEN.
DE Tyquan Lewis (Rib) has been added to the injury report and is questionable. https://t.co/JmLoGhsjek
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 14, 2024
Both players were designed to return to practice earlier this week and now have two more weeks to be activated off of it or will then remain on I.R. for the remainder of the 2024 season (thus, being ineligible to return).
Versatile defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis was added to Saturday’s injury report with a rib injury and is now officially ‘questionable.’
It’s unfortunate timing for the Colts ahead of a road matchup against the Broncos, who are clinging to the AFC’s final wild card spot—while Indy is on the outside, looking in, ahead of a ‘make or break’ road clash for keeping the Horseshoe’s late season playoff hopes alive.
Rookie Tanor Bortolini has held his own during Kelly’s absence at starting center, so it doesn’t make sense to rush the veteran Pro Bowl center back—especially if he’s not 100%. Kelly seemed to struggle in his performance right before being placed on injured reserve.
Meanwhile, Carlies, even as a rookie, has provided a big boost in pass coverage as PFF’s 5th best graded coverage linebacker with a +82.0 overall grade, during 7 games (3 starts).
It looks like it’ll at least be one more week for both players to return to game days.
