The Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard in his April 20 press conference offered injury updates on a number of star players and a couple of second-year players who have not yet had their chance in the NFL.
Daniel Jones, who signed a new two-year deal to stay with the Colts this offseason, has been sidelined since December 7 after sustaining an Achilles injury.
“He’s throwing, he’s moving and so he’s in a really good spot,” Ballard said. “Final timeline – we’re all shooting for Week 1 for sure, but we’ll kind of let his body dictate it.”
Before his injury, Jones completed 68.0 percent of his throws for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 164 yards with five TDs and led the Colts to an 8-4 record during his time as starting quarterback that included a 7-1 start to the season. Without Jones the Colts lost the last five games of the season.
As for star defensive tackle, Deforest Buckner, Ballard gave this update, “It’ll be training camp, but he’s in a really good spot. He’ll start doing some plyometric stuff and movement stuff. So he’s in a really good spot.”
The 32-year old suffered an injury in week 9 and was able to return for one game, returning in week 16. Buckner underwent neck surgery this offseason and is expected to make a full return.
Ballard also gave an encouraging update on kicker Spencer Schrader, “Spencer is coming back from his ACL,” Ballard said, “He’s already kicking. I know he made a 54-yarder the other day, kicking. I think he’s right at the six-month mark, so he’ll be good.”
Schrader was a perfect 13-for-13 on extra point attempts and 13-for-14 on field goal attempts. According to the Colts Schrader will compete with Grupe for the kicking position in training camp. Grupe made all 21 of his kicks after taking over kicking duties in week 14 of last season.
Expect Second-Year Players to Make an Instant Impact
Cornerback Justin Waller and safety Hunter Wohler both sustained season-ending injuries last August but are expected to make an immediate impact when they return to the field this season, “
“If they do not get hurt, they play major roles last year. Unequivocally,” Ballard said. The two are progressing nicely in their rehab with Ballard optimistic for their imminent return to the field, “Walley and Hunter, both, are kind of at the end of their rehab, alright, and so they’re doing really well. Expect them for most of OTAs, but they’re progressing really well.”
Ballard is hopeful that with Kenny Moore seeking a trade from the Colts that Waller and Wohler will help hold down the secondary.
Colts Announce Free Agent Numbers
The Colts signed 11 free agents in the offseason and on Tuesday announced their new numbers: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine no. 12, Nasir Adderly no. 25, Cam Taylor-Britt no. 26, Juanyeh Thomas no. 33, Jonathan Owens no. 38, Akeem Davis-Gaither no. 51, Micheal Clemons no. 72, Derrick Nnadi no. 92, Jerry Tillery no. 94, Colby Wooden no. 96 and Arden Key no. 98.
The Colts will be hoping for an instant impact from this group.
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