The Colts officially downgrade two impact return hopefuls to “out” against the Broncos

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:

Both players were scheduled to return to practice earlier this week and will now have two additional weeks to be activated after that or remain on IR (and therefore ineligible to return) for the remainder of the 2024 season.

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

It’s an unfortunate time for the Colts ahead of a road matchup against the Broncos, who are clinching for the AFC’s final wild-card spot – while Indy is on the outside looking in before the road battle to preserve the Horseshoe’s which is a matter of “make or break” The playoff hopes at the end of the season are alive.

Rookie Tanor Bortolini has performed well at starting center during Kelly’s absence, so there’s no point in rushing the veteran Pro Bowl interior defender – especially when he’s not at 100%. Kelly appeared to be struggling with his performance shortly before he was placed on injured reserve.

Meanwhile, even as a rookie, Carlies has provided a major boost in pass coverage as PFF’s fifth-best coverage linebacker with an overall grade of +82.0 in 7 games (3 starts).

It looks like it will be at least a week before both players can return to matchday action.