What to know from Colts’ first Week 15 injury report

The Indianapolis Colts were back on the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since returning from their bye week.

As the team begins preparing for a critical matchup with Denver, let’s take a closer look at the Colts’ first injury report of the week:

Wednesday’s practice report for #INDvsDEN: pic.twitter.com/AKVWav71rg

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 11, 2024

– Josh Downs returned to the practice field in a limited capacity. He sustained a shoulder injury against Detroit, did not practice at all the following week, and was held out of the New England game. For more on Downs’ return, click here.

– Braden Smith did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a personal matter. Shane Steichen said that it is likely he will not play against Denver.

– Both Ryan Kelly and Jaylon Carlies have been designated to return from injured reserve. Kelly was a limited participant and Carlies was a full. With both players being designated to return, a 21 day window has opened for each, at which any time within those three weeks the team can activate Kelly and Carlies and add them back to the active roster. At that point, they will be available on Sundays. As far as when that happens, it’s all dependent on each player’s health.

– Tanor Bortolini is out of concussion protocol and was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He did not practice leading up to the New England matchup and would miss that game. When Kelly returns, he will be the starting center. But until then, Bortolini will remain in that role.

– Ashton Dulin suffered an ankle injury against Detroit and did not play the following week against the Patriots. He has not practice since sustaining the injury. In addition to often being the team’s fourth receiver, he’s been a core special teams contributor as a return man and flier on the punt return unit.

– Lastly, both DeForest Buckner (back) and Michael Pittman (back) were listed with injuries, but each was a full participant–a good sign for Sunday. Pittman’s injury has been lingering all season and he considers himself week-to-week, but the time off likely did him some good.