Jaylon Carlies Nearing Return as Colts Face Key Roster Decision
After spending the first 13 weeks of the season on injured reserve, Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies is inching closer to making his 2025 debut. And with a divisional clash against the Jaguars looming, Indianapolis may soon have to make a call on whether the second-year defender is ready to rejoin the active roster.
“He had a great week of practice, and we’ll make that decision here soon,” head coach Shane Steichen said Friday, giving the clearest signal yet that Carlies could be activated ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Carlies has been working his way back from an ankle injury suffered during training camp back in early August. The Colts opened his 21-day practice window in Week 12, and since then, he’s been a full participant across the board. While he was ruled out ahead of games the last two weeks, that hasn’t happened yet this week - a sign that the team is seriously considering him for Sunday.
The clock is ticking. By the end of the week, the Colts must decide whether to activate Carlies or leave him on IR, which would officially end his season. Typically, these decisions come down on Saturday, alongside the team’s practice squad elevations.
Carlies’ return adds an intriguing wrinkle to a linebacker group that’s already found its rhythm. Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt have locked down the top spots, forming one of the more consistent linebacker duos in the AFC. But there could still be room for Carlies in sub-packages, especially in passing situations, where he might challenge Austin Ajiake for reps.
The path back hasn’t been easy for Carlies. He missed the entire offseason program while recovering from shoulder surgery, watching from the sidelines as new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo installed his system. He was cleared in time for the start of training camp in late July, but just eight days in, he went down with the ankle injury that’s kept him sidelined until now.
Drafted in the fifth round in 2024, Carlies arrived in Indy as a converted safety - a hybrid defender with the kind of range and instincts that fit today’s linebacker mold. He flashed promise as a rookie, gradually earning more snaps before a broken fibula cut his season short. Injuries have limited him to just 10 career games (six starts), but he’s made an impact when available: 36 tackles, two for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, and a pass breakup.
Now, with the Colts in the thick of the playoff hunt, Carlies could offer a timely boost to a defense that’s already playing solid football. His return wouldn’t just be about depth - it’s about potential. And if he’s healthy, the Colts may finally get a look at the player they envisioned when they took a chance on him out of Missouri.
We’ll find out soon enough whether Carlies suits up this weekend. But one thing is clear: after months of rehab and waiting, his moment might finally be here.