Shane Steichen Says Key Defensive Starter is Injured. He Could Miss the Rest of the 2024 Season

The Indianapolis Colts lost their home opener 27-29 to the Houston Texans. The Colts’ defense struggled, giving up 417 total yards, including 204 passing and 213 rushing yards, while spending 40 minutes on the field. Texans QB C.J. Stroud completed 24 of 32 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

Next, the Colts will face the 0-1 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers are coming off a close loss to the Eagles, with QB Jordan Love sustaining a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain, which could sideline him for 3-6 weeks. Malik Willis is set to start at quarterback for Green Bay.

The Colts suffered a major blow to their secondary as cornerback JuJu Brents, a breakout candidate, sustained a knee injury. Brents, the 44th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has had a history of injuries, missing much of his rookie season. He recently recorded seven tackles and allowed four receptions on six targets in 62 defensive snaps against Houston before tweaking his knee.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brents will undergo knee surgery and has been placed on injured reserve. While he could miss the rest of the 2024 season, there’s a possibility he might return in December.

In his absence, Dallis Flowers, who started in 2023 before an Achilles injury, is expected to step in. Samuel Womack III, claimed off waivers from the 49ers, could also be an option. The Colts have $14.86 million in cap space, allowing them the flexibility to sign a free agent, with names like Xavien Howard, J.C. Jackson, and Patrick Peterson available.

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