Injuries on the Colts’ defensive line are piling up.
On Tuesday, the team placed defensive end Tyquan Lewis on injured reserve with an elbow injury suffered in a week four win over the Steelers. He will miss at least four games, with the earliest possible return being week nine at the Vikings.
To fill Lewis’ vacant roster spot, the Colts elevated DT Adam Gotsis from the practice squad and signed CB Kelvin Joseph to the practice squad.
Lewis, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Colts this offseason, is just the latest starter on the defensive line to pick up a knock. DeForest Buckner was placed on IR with an ankle injury in week 2, and Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles in training camp, ending his season before it even got started. Even Kwity Paye, who missed the Pittsburgh game with a quad injury, isn’t at 100 percent.
The good news is that Indianapolis still has plenty of depth. General manager Chris Ballard’s gamble to keep 10 defensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster appears to have been a wise one.
I’d expect a deeper rotation with Lewis now sidelined, with Dayo Odeyingbo, Isaiah Land, and rookie Laiatu Latu all expected to see more opportunities.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Tuesday that the team is still exploring all possible options to remedy the situation. He mentioned that Adetomiwa Adebawore, who played some defensive end in college, could be moved outside.
Still, it’s less than ideal for the Colts, who still have room for improvement with their run defense. They’re allowing the second most rushing yards per game (164.8) and are surrendering 4.4 yards per rush attempt.
Until Lewis and Buckner are back, I wouldn’t anticipate drastic improvements in that department.
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