The Colts opened Week 10 with a problem that could matter right away against Miami: two of their key blockers were missing from Wednesday’s practice.
Indianapolis started its work week on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s meeting with the Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium, and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (groin) and right tackle Jalen Travis (knee) were both out. They were among seven Colts who did not practice.
Travis has been dealing with a string of issues lately, showing up on the injury report with ankle, foot, thumb, hamstring and now knee injuries. Last Sunday, Luke Tenuta stepped in for him.
The Colts did get some encouraging news elsewhere on the roster. They opened Arden Key’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday, giving the team three weeks to either activate the veteran edge defender from IR after the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 4 or leave him there for the rest of the season. Key was a full participant, which points to a possible return as soon as this weekend.
Cornerback Justin Walley was also a full participant after missing the last two games and leaving Week 7 early with a knee injury. That’s a positive sign for his availability on Sunday.
If Alie-Cox can’t go, the Colts would likely lean on fellow blocking tight end Drew Ogletree, with Will Mallory and Pharaoh Brown also possible game-day activations.
The rest of Indianapolis’ Wednesday report included linebacker Jaylon Carlies (neck), linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee), safety A.J. Haulcy (ankle), long snapper Luke Rhodes (hamstring) and cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (rest) as non-participants. Running back Jonathan Taylor (rest) and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (calf) were limited.
Miami isn’t exactly entering this one clean, either. The Dolphins placed quarterback Malik Willis (groin) and defensive lineman Zach Sieler (biceps) on injured reserve Tuesday.
The Colts’ injury report also noted that Brewer, Bell, and Trader are starters, so their status bears watching as the week goes on. Brewer, in particular, is one of the NFL’s best centers.
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