The Colts’ Wednesday injury report for Week 5 brought a familiar mix of concern and cautious optimism, with several key names sitting out as Indianapolis prepares for Pittsburgh.
Center Tanor Bortolini did not practice because of an ankle injury, and he was spotted at the session in a walking boot and ankle brace. The report suggests he could be out for a while, possibly longer than just this week.
Linebacker Jaylon Carlies was also held out with rib issues, while fellow linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither missed practice because of a knee injury. That leaves Indianapolis with both of its starting linebackers sidelined, a tough development for a defense that has only recently started to find its footing. If both are unavailable Sunday, rookies Bryce Boettcher and CJ Allen could see a bigger workload.
Defensive end Arden Key missed practice with a hamstring injury, and head coach Shane Steichen said earlier in the week the team expects him to miss some time. The Colts added another body to that group on Wednesday, signing defensive end Carl Lawson to the practice squad to help with the rotation.
Wide receiver Ashton Dulin was also out with a hamstring injury. He played in London on Sunday, but the Colts appear to be dealing with a flare-up of the same issue that already cost him two games earlier in the season. A third missed game now looks possible.
Not everyone on the report was in trouble. Wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Jonathan Taylor were both listed as veteran rest days.
Allen was noted with rest/groin, while Taylor was simply resting. Allen’s status will be worth watching after he missed Sunday’s game with the groin injury.
There was a positive update at tight end, where Will Mallory was a full participant with a thumb injury. Indianapolis also opened his 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve, giving the offense a possible boost at a position that has been short on dependable pass-catching options.
In Other News...
Colts Sideline Debate Just Got Bigger At A Delicate Time
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But the conversation around her presence has widened, and not everyone views it as harmless curiosity. Bill Simmons questioned the sideline involvement on his podcast, adding another layer to a discussion that is already unfolding at a delicate point in the season, with Indianapolis sitting at 2-2 and trying to keep its focus on football rather than the attention orbiting above it. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Suddenly Have A Khalil Mack Decision Fans Can't Ignore
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Still, any potential move is not entirely in the Colts hands. Mack also carries a no-trade clause, so he would have to sign off on any deal, and the Chargers would likely want draft compensation in return if they are willing to listen at all. That leaves Indianapolis weighing a familiar NFL dilemma: whether to pay for immediate help now or hold its picks and trust the current rotation to survive the next stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Add A Familiar Pass Rusher With Anarumo Ties
The Colts added a familiar edge presence to the practice squad on Wednesday, bringing in veteran defensive end Carl Lawson as they continue sorting through their pass-rush depth. Lawson arrives with a clear connection to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo from their time together in Cincinnati, which gives Indianapolis a built-in level of familiarity as the team looks to fortify the front seven.
Lawson has been around plenty of NFL locker rooms over his eight-year career, with stops in Baltimore, New York, and Dallas in addition to his years with the Bengals. He has 32 sacks to his name, and the question now is whether that experience and Anarumo familiarity can quickly translate into a larger opportunity in Indianapolis. [Read more 🡒]