The Colts downgrade two effects and return hopefuls to officially ‘out’ against the Broncos

On December 16, 2024By Littum

On Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts downgraded both rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) and veteran center Ryan Kelly (knee) to ‘Out’ against the Denver Broncos:

Injury Update: LB Jaylon Carlies (Fibula/Shoulder) and C Ryan Kelly (Knee) remain on IR and have been downgraded to out #INDvsDEN.

DE Tyquan Lewis (Rib) has been added to the injury report and is questionable. https://t.co/JmLoGhsjek

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) 14 December 2024

Both players were designed to return to practice earlier this week and now have two more weeks to be activated outside of it or will remain on IR for the remainder of the 2024 season (thereby ineligible to return) .

Versatile defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis was added to Saturday’s injury report with a rib injury and is now officially ‘questionable.’

It’s unfortunate timing for the Colts ahead of a road game against the Broncos, who are clinging to the AFC’s final wild card spot – while Indy is on the outside looking in, ahead of a make or break road game to keep the Horseshoe’s late-season playoff- hope alive.

Rookie Tanor Bortolini has held his own during Kelly’s absence at starting center, so rushing the veteran Pro Bowl center back doesn’t make sense — especially if he’s not 100%. Kelly appeared to struggle with his performance just before being placed on injured reserve.

Meanwhile, even as a rookie, Carlies has provided a big boost in pass coverage as PFF’s 5th-best graded linebacker with a +82.0 overall grade through 7 games (3 starts).

It looks like it will be at least another week for both players to return to game days.