Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker Jaylon Carlies returned to the practice field on Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants. He was a limited participant.
On Wednesday, the team held a walkthrough, so the first injury report was a designation of each player’s practice status, but Carlies was listed as a non-participant with a shoulder injury. When Carlies was designated to return from injured reserve, he was on the injury report with a fibula/shoulder injury.
This past week’s game against Tennessee was Carlies’ first since Week 7, when he exited the game early and was then placed on injured reserve later that week.
Upon his return on Sunday, Carlies immediately stepped into a big role, starting next to Zaire Franklin while EJ Speed was out with a knee injury.
Carlies would make a quick impact, leading the defense in tackles with 10, which included six that were solo. In coverage, while he allowed six receptions, according to PFF, Carlies was close by to make a play, limiting those pass catchers to just 6.2 yards per catch.
As a former college safety, Carlies brings added coverage ability to the linebacker position.
With Speed still not having practiced this week, it could end up being quite important that Carlies is available, as he again may be called upon to start this Sunday against the Giants. Carlies’ practice status on Friday and how he looks on the field will be important.
