Cornerback Jaylon Jones Placed On Injured Reserve By Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts placed Cornerback Jaylon Jones on injured reserve today with a hamstring issue. Jones had originally injured the hamstring during the second week of training camp, which cost him his starting position on the team. Jones reinjured the hamstring playing on special teams in the Colts’ Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Being placed on IR will mean the third-year corner will have to miss a minimum of four games.
The Colts’ Ailing Secondary
Jones’ loss is a significant one. The team is already missing its best cornerback, Charvarius Ward, because of a concussion. On top of that, Justin Whalley, the rookie projected to take Jones’ starting job when he went down in camp, is lost for the year with an ACL injury. That forced Indianapolis to trade for Vikings’ Corner Mekhi Blackmon and sign free agent Xavien Howard. Those two shared time opposite Ward in Week 1.
Howard, Blackmon, and undrafted rookie Johnathan Edwards, who missed the Dolphins game with a concussion, will now see most of the playing time this weekend against the Denver Broncos. The Colts also elevated Chris Lammons from the practice squad for the game. Lammons saw limited snaps with the team over the last two seasons. Indianapolis is also without backup safety Hunter Wohler, who is lost for the season with a foot injury.
Jaylon Jones’ Loss
An injury vaulted Jones into the starting right corner job as a rookie in 2023. He came into his own last season, racking up 100 total tackles, 12 passes defensed, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and one forced fumble. Jones had not missed a single game in his first two seasons out of Texas A&M.
The Colts’ Defense Has Been Strong
The Colts’ defense dominated Miami in Week One. They allowed just 211 total yards in a 33-8 blowout at home. Dolphin starter quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for just 114 yards and one touchdown in the game. Indy’s defense sacked Tagovailoa three times and forced him to fumble once and throw two interceptions. A repeat against Bo Nix and the Broncos may prove difficult without the Colts’ top three cornerbacks.
