Tag: Blake Freeland

Colts’ 2023 rookie review: OT Blake Freeland

Reviewing Blake Freeland’s rookie season.

The Indianapolis Colts rookie class from the 2023 season had plenty of ups and downs throughout what was an encouraging campaign from the organization as a whole.

With their first season now behind them, it’s time to take a quick look back at how they performed and where they may be headed in the future. In our rookie review series, we’ll be taking a look at each 2023 draft pick currently still with the team.

Here are the rookie seasons we’ve reviewed thus far:

Now, it’s time to review the rookie season for offensive tackle Blake Freeland, who was selected with the No. 106 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Colts’ report card: Grading the 2023 rookie class

Handing out some grades for the Colts’ 2023 rookie class.

The Indianapolis Colts added a ton of young talent in the 2023 NFL draft, selecting a franchise-record 12 selections.

2023 was a mixed bag for this rookie class as it showed promise but injuries limited a number of picks’ impact in year one.

Here, we are going to discuss the Colts rookies who played and contributed to the team in 2023.

Colts’ 5 most disappointing players in 2023

Taking a look at the five most disappointing Colts players from 2023.

Despite the Indianapolis Colts missing out on a playoff run, there were plenty of high marks from the 2023 season. Conversely, the Colts also had their share of disappointing players from the campaign.

Between injuries and poor performance, there were a handful of Colts players who failed to meet expectations during the 2023 season. Some will likely have a chance to bounce back in 2024, but the outlook may not be as encouraging as it once was.

We took a look at the players who exceeded expectations. Now, here are five Colts players who disappointed the most in 2023:

Colts rule out Jonathan Taylor, Braden Smith for Week 15

Jonathan Taylor and Braden Smith have been ruled out for Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts ruled out running back Jonathan Taylor and right tackle Braden Smith on Thursday ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both Taylor (thumb) and Smith (knee) failed to log a practice in any capacity this week. Taylor will miss his third consecutive game since undergoing thumb surgery while Smith will miss his second consecutive game and sixth on the season (seven if you count Week 12 in which he played just three snaps).

Replacing Taylor in the backfield will once again be Zack Moss, who has struggled to provide explosiveness since getting the starting role back two weeks ago. In that span, he’s taken 31 carries for 79 rushing yards, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.

Replacing Smith at right tackle will once again be the rookie in Blake Freeland, who will make his eighth start of the season.

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Key matchups to watch in Colts vs. Bengals

Taking a look at the key matchups to watch in Week 14.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-5) are hitting the road for a Week 14 bout against the Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

In what will have heavy implications for the AFC playoff picture, this game is expected to be a battle down to the wire. Both teams will be trotting out backup quarterbacks in the form of Gardner Minshew and Jake Browning.

The Colts are riding a four-game winning streak for the first time since 2018 and have won five of six games on the road this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals are coming off a big road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, their first victory since Jake Browning took over as the starter for the injured Joe Burrow.

Here are some key matchups to watch in this Week 14 game between the Colts and Bengals:

Stock report from Colts’ 31-28 win over Titans

Taking a look at the stock report from the Colts’ win in Week 13.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-5) pulled off a 31-28 overtime win on the road against the Tennessee Titans (4-8) at Nissan Stadium.

Sweeping the Titans and winning in Nashville for the first time since 2018, the Colts are now riding a four-game winning streak with five games remaining in their playoff push.

Now, it’s time to take a look at how this game impacted the stock of a handful of players.

When taking stock of a player’s performance, it’s best to be fluid. A player’s stock will fall and rise throughout the season so none of this is set in stone. However, it is important to take note of the narratives and storylines taking place as the campaign progresses.

A player’s stock can be impacted by factors such as their performance or the type of snaps they receive during the games.

Here’s a look at the stock report for the Colts following the Week 13 win:

Ranking the Colts’ rookies coming out of bye week

Taking a look at the the best rookies for the Colts thus far in 2023.

The Indianapolis Colts are 10 games into the 2023 season. At their bye in Week 11, the team stands right in the thick of the playoff hunt with a 5-5 record.

There have been many ups and downs so far and the rookie class has played a big contribution to the position the team finds itself in.

Here, we’re ranking the rookies that have had the biggest impact through the first 10 games of the season:

Colts vs. Panthers: Final injury report for Week 9

Here’s the final injury report for both teams in Week 9.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) and Carolina Panthers (1-6) released their final injury reports Friday ahead of the Week 9 matchup at Bank of America Stadium.

Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Colts in Week 9:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Notes

  • As expected, the Colts will be without CB Julius Brents and RT Braden Smith.
  • The replacement for Smith at right tackle, rookie Blake Freeland, also is questionable after not practicing the final two days of the week. He’s considered a game-time decision.
  • LB Zaire Franklin is considered a game-time decision despite not practicing all week.
  • WR Josh Downs was able to practice after picking up a knee injury during Thursday’s practice, which is encouraging.
  • S Rodney Thomas II was added to the injury report Friday.

Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Panthers in Week 9:

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Colts rule out two players vs. Panthers in Week 9

Two players were ruled out for Week 9.

The Indianapolis Colts ruled out right tackle Braden Smith and cornerback Julius Brents ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Shane Steichen on Friday.

It’s no surprise that both of those players were ruled out considering they didn’t log a single practice. This will be Brents’ second consecutive missed game due to a quad injury he suffered in Week 7.

Meanwhile, Smith will miss his fourth consecutive game due to hip and wrist injuries.

As it pertains to linebacker Zaire Franklin, who is dealing with a knee injury, he is considered a game-time decision.

Smith’s expected replacement, rookie Blake Freeland, is also a game-time decision after suffering a back injury during practice this week. It isn’t clear who would start right tackle if both Smith and Freeland are out, but there’s a chance it would be Arlington Hambright.

Tight end Kylen Granson cleared the concussion protocol so he will be expected to play.

The Colts will release their final injury report with designations later Friday so that will give us a better idea of what the injury situation looks like.

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Stock report from Colts’ 38-27 loss to Saints

Checking in on the stock report from the Colts’ Week 8 loss.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) suffered their third consecutive loss Sunday when they were defeated 38-27 against the New Orleans Saints (4-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Week 8 loss was a tough one. The Colts were competitive going into halftime, even leading 17-7 early in the second quarter. That’s true for the majority of the third quarter as well until the Saints put together consecutive touchdown drives to put the game away.

Now, it’s time to take a look at how this game impacted the stock of a handful of players.

When taking stock of a player’s performance, it’s best to be fluid. A player’s stock will fall and rise throughout the season so none of this is set in stone. However, it is important to take note of the narratives and storylines taking place as the campaign progresses.

A player’s stock can be impacted by factors such as their performance or the type of snaps they receive during the games.

Here’s a look at the stock report for the Colts following the Week 8 loss: