Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 9-8 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 9.5
The Carson Wentz experiment in Indianapolis lasted only one season. General Manager Jim Irsay had seen enough after Wentz could not deliver in the playoff-clinching game against the 3-14 Jaguars in Week 18.
Aiming to improve the team’s dismal 211 pass yards per game, the Colts traded for former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan from the Falcons this past offseason. The team is confident Ryan is the final piece to lead them to a deep playoff run.
Our team of Pro Football Docs is confident the revamped Colts offense will be healthy. With left tackle Eric Fisher retiring, the injury concerns for the offensive line diminish. His one season in Indianapolis was marred by his previously torn Achilles.
The offensive line responsible for blocking for elite running back Jonathan Taylor should be strong this season with All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson back at full strength. In nearly 2,700 pass-blocking snaps, Nelson has allowed only four sacks. He is looking to have a big year as he is entering free agency next offseason.
Wide receiver Parris Campbell has only played in 15 games in his first three seasons with the Colts. He has been bothered by foot, knee and abdominal injuries. The 25-year-old receiver needs to stay healthy to lock down the No. 2 receiver spot. ESPN Mike Wells listed the Ohio State product a surprise standout during Colts minicamp.
All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard, who now wishes to go by his middle-name Shaquille, is coming back from offseason back surgery. He is starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
The team also added defensive end Yannick Ngakoue from the Raiders to play alongside defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Ngakoue is coming off of a 10-sack season and could revitalize the Colts pass rush who tallied 33 sacks last year.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore signed a two-year deal with Indianapolis. He dealt with finger and groin injuries with the Carolina Panthers last season as he only started in three of eight games. The cornerback adds Pro-Bowl level talent to the defense.
Aside from Leonard, the defense is healthy.
Last season, Nelson played through a back injury and high ankle sprain. He played in only 13 games but still earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. He underwent surgery in the offseason to address his nagging injuries and should be in the best medical shape of his career.
Leonard had surgery in June for a back injury that was likely discovered during a season-entry physical. Two disks in his back were causing pinched nerves and lower-leg pain for the former Defensive Rookie of the Year. The fifth-year linebacker may need some time to get back to full speed if he is missing portions of training camp.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
Colts All-Pro LB Darius Leonard sheds some light on his June surgery: “I had two discs sitting on two nerves that was causing pain all the way down to my ankle.” Doesn’t put a timetable on it, but says “I’m happy where I’m at.”
