Several Indianapolis Colts starters were back on the practice field on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice.
According to Nate Atkins of the Indy Star, returning to practice for the Colts were Josh Downs (toe), Michael Pittman (back), Ryan Kelly (calf), and Dayo Odeyingbo (hamstring).
Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., Ryan Kelly and Dayo Odeyingbo are all back at Colts practice.
No Jonathan Taylor again.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) October 17, 2024
The toe injury that Downs sustained against Jacksonville in Week 6 is what kept him out of practice for two days last week, although he was a full participant on Friday and ended up playing on Sunday against Tennessee.
Pittman is still working through a back injury. Before Wednesday’s practice, head coach Shane Steichen said that they would monitor Pittman throughout the week and it seems like a very fluid situation when it comes to his availability. However, from the sounds of it, if Pittman is feeling good, we will see him on the field.
Kelly and Odeyingbo both suffered those injuries in Sunday’s win. Kelly would not return to the game but Odeyingbo did.
Kelly had missed the previous two games against Pittsburgh and Jacksonville with a neck injury. In his place when sidelined has been Tanor Bortolini, who has filled in well.
Odeyingbo leads the team in both pressures and sacks this season, playing both defensive end along with seeing some snaps inside as well.
James Boyd of The Athletic would also note that EJ Speed (knee), Trey Sermon (knee), and Braden Smith (knee) all returned as well.
Given that Jonathan Taylor still isn’t practicing, having Sermon available becomes very important for the Colts, who need to get the run game going this week against Miami.
Speed is second on the team in total tackles and fifth in quarterback pressures. Although on the injury report, he did play 100 percent of the defensive snaps against Tennessee.
Smith, meanwhile, has been practicing Thursdays the last several weeks, while not participating on on Wednesdays or Fridays.
The following #Colts ARE practicing today:
WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back), WR Josh Downs (toe), C Ryan Kelly (neck), LB EJ Speed (knee), RB Trey Sermon (knee), DE Dayo Odeyingbo (hamstring) and RT Braden Smith (knee)
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 17, 2024
Although returning to practice on Thursday is not a guarantee that each player will be available on Sunday, it is at least a good sign.
(This post has been updated to provide additional information)