The Indianapolis Colts are designating linebacker Jaylon Carlies to return from injured reserve, announced head coach Shane Steichen on Wednesday.
Carlies was placed on injured reserve before the Colts’ Week 8 matchup with Houston. He was listed on the injury report that week with having a fibula injury that he sustained against Miami in Week 7.
Once designated to return, there is a 21 day window for Carlies to be activated back to the 53-man roster, at which point a corresponding cut will have to be made to make room for him.
Carlies can be activated on Day 1 or Day 21, it’s just all dependent upon his health and availability. Once activated, he can play on Sundays.
Carlies, a 2024 fifth-round pick by the Colts, emerged as the team’s third linebacker, seeing playing time this season next to Zaire Franklin and EJ Speed when Indianapolis is lined up in their base 4-3 defense. When the Colts were without Speed versus Miami, Carlies was the other nickel linebacker next to Franklin that week.
A former college safety, Carlies brings added coverage ability to the linebacker position, holding pass-catchers to just 6.6 yards per catch with a pass breakup. He’s also shown to be a reliable tackler and has one sack, while being a special teams contributor as well.
Going into that Week 7 game with the Dolphins, Carlies was one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookies through six games.
In Carlies’ place, Grant Stuard has filled that third linebacker role.
At this point, it still remains to be seen if Carlies will be available against Denver.
