Colts’ cornerback JuJu Brents was still sidelined during Sunday’s practice after sustaining a nose injury in Week 2 of the preseason against Arizona. However, head coach Shane Steichen had a positive update after practice.
“He’s progressing,” said Steichen. “Hopefully next week he’ll be ready to go next week.”
After missing the Colts’ preseason opener against Denver, Brents was one of the very few starters to see snaps against the Cardinals, with Steichen wanting to get him reps after not playing in the first game.
Brents would exit the game fairly early on after his helmet slipped down his face while making a tackle, leaving him bloodied. Brents was then seen in the locker room afterward with stitches.
By all accounts, Brents had put together a solid training camp performance overall, solidifying himself as one of the Colts’ starting outside cornerbacks.
However, like any young player, what Brents needs is more reps. A second-round selection by the Colts in 2023, Brents would miss offseason programs that spring and then a portion of training camp as well.
During the regular season of his rookie year, Brents would then appear in only nine games. Brents was held out of this year’s preseason opener for precautionary reasons with a shoulder injury. He would then miss the finale against Cincinnati, playing just 13 preseason snaps.
It is oftentimes during a player’s second NFL season that they make the biggest developmental jump. For a position group for the Colts that has its share of question marks heading into the regular season, a leap from Brents would go a long way in providing some needed stability, which the entire defensive unit will benefit from.