The last day of the Colts to prepare for the season prior to July’s training camp has wrapped up, with numerous key players missing the mandatory minicamp practices due to injury. This includes 3 starters as well as key depth and competition for other starting/high snap rotation spots around the roster.
Starting outside WR Alec Pierce is dealing with an ankle injury. The newly paid deep threat wideout underwent offseason ankle surgery in March and is expected to miss some of training camp as well while he rehabs from surgery. His return is expected to be in late July/early August in the middle of the training camp schedule. He is expected to earn a larger role as he shows continual growth as a route runner and his outside WR running mate Michael Pittman Jr. was traded in the offseason to free up cap space to retain Pierce and his QB Daniel Jones.
DeForest Buckner did attend minicamp, but didn’t participate in drills due to his neck injury that he suffered in the 2025 season.
The Colts are being cautious with their 32 year old veteran star Defensive Tackle, but he is determined to be out there for his final year of his contract. He was non-committal in his specific return date to offseason practices, but stated that the goal is to be out there Week 1 of the regular season.
At Cornerback the Colts have a quartet of absences, beginning with their starting outside Cornerback 2 Charvarious “Mooney” Ward. Ward dealt with a trio of concussions in his first year with the Colts in 2025 and is considering wearing a guardian cap on his helmet in 2026 to help prevent further concussions. He is currently dealing with an undisclosed back injury.
Free Agent signing Cam Taylor-Britt also is dealing with an foot injury. He suffered a Lisfranc injury in midgame in Week 11 during the 2025 season, which he likely is still recovering from. He signed for the veteran minimum after being a key starter for Colts DC Lou Anarumo during their time together with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Former 2023-2024 starting CB Jaylon Jones was also absent from minicamp as well as 11 game starter in 2025 Mekhi Blackmon following injuries to other corners high on the depth chart last year. Their current reasons for being absent from minicamp is undisclosed at this time.
Rookie Guard Jalen Farmer missed minicamp with a knee injury. The former Kentucky Wildcat is expected to compete for the starting Right Guard job in training camp, and the Colts are being cautious with his injury right now to prepare him for that battle.
Should the Colts be worried with so many starters and expected roster-spot earning players out?
Not yet. The Colts have over a month and a half before camp begins and they are being careful with their players dealing with injury so far. If most of these injuries persist throughout camp and past the expected return dates for some players… then the Colts should worry.
