The Indianapolis Colts lose one of their tight ends going forward in Jelani Woods.
According to Joel A. Erickson of IndyStar, Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods is set to have toe surgery.
Jelani Woods is expected to undergo surgery on his toe, according to a source.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 20, 2024
The news for Woods comes after Colts head coach Shane Steichen warned reporters that the third-year tight end would “miss significant time” following Tuesday’s joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Colts coach Shane Steichen said today that TE Jelani Woods (toe) will miss considerable time in the lineup.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 20, 2024
"I don't have a timetable on it," he said.
My understanding is this will absolutely extend into the regular season, and thus will have an impact on roster decisions.
Woods had been reasonably healthy for the majority of Colts training camp before suffering a toe injury in the team’s preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.
The former third-round pick out of Virginia has struggled to remain healthy since his rookie season, with hamstring issues costing him the entire 2023 season.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Woods will be out indefinitely after the procedure.
#Colts TE Jelani Woods is expected to have surgery this week to repair his turf toe, sources say, and he’s out indefinitely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2024
A rough reality for Woods, who also missed 2023 with hamstring issues. pic.twitter.com/SfMuibIRFv
Woods has only participated in 15 games, including two starts, all of which came in his debut year of 2022. Woods has 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns during that time nearly two seasons ago.
With Woods out indefinitely, the Colts will likely have to rely on veteran options such as Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, and Drew Ogletree, all of whom saw significant playing time during Woods’ extended absence last season. Will Mallory, a second-year tight end, may also get playing time once the regular season begins.
For Woods, this will be his second consecutive season missing considerable time due to injuries.
