The Indianapolis Colts announced several roster moves Saturday ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, activating defensive end Arden Key from injured reserve, signing linebacker West Weeks to the 53-man roster and placing tight end Mo Alie-Cox and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither on injured reserve.
The return of Key provides some much-needed help along Indianapolis’ defensive line, particularly following the recent trade of DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. The 30-year-old defensive end has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Colts’ Week 4 victory over the Washington Commanders in London, forcing him to miss the team’s past five games. Before the injury, Key had started all four contests, recording 8 tackles, half a sack and 1 forced fumble.
Key returned to practice Wednesday and was a full participant throughout the week, although he was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report. His activation makes him eligible to return Sunday, potentially strengthening a pass-rushing rotation that has relied heavily on Laiatu Latu, Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Caden Curry.
Unfortunately, the Colts also received some disappointing injury news, with Alie-Cox and Davis-Gaither both landing on injured reserve.
Alie-Cox has been dealing with a groin injury that prevented him from practicing throughout the week, leaving Indianapolis without one of its most experienced blocking tight ends. His absence should create additional opportunities for Tyler Warren and Drew Ogletree, while Will Mallory’s availability remains uncertain after he appeared on Friday’s injury report with a hamstring issue.
Davis-Gaither, meanwhile, has been sidelined by a knee injury and also missed last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. His placement on injured reserve further weakens an already thin linebacker group, particularly with Jaylon Carlies also ruled out for Sunday’s contest. Rookie CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher are expected to handle significant responsibilities, while the promotion of West Weeks provides some additional depth alongside Austin Ajiake.
Weeks, an undrafted rookie out of LSU, joined Indianapolis during the offseason and has spent the season developing on the practice squad. His promotion gives the Colts another option at linebacker and on special teams as they attempt to navigate their growing injury concerns.
With Indianapolis sitting at 2-7 and having lost five consecutive games, the organization is increasingly focused on evaluating younger talent over the remainder of the season. Key’s return is a welcome development for the defensive line, but the latest injuries create additional challenges for a roster that has already undergone substantial changes in recent weeks.
