The Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Carolina Panthers for joint practices this week ahead of the preseason opener between the two teams, but rookie defensive end Kwity Paye likely won’t be participating due to an ankle sprain he suffered on Wednesday.
Though Colts fans have been conditioned to assume the worst with injuries, head coach Frank Reich told the media following Thursday’s joint practice with the Panthers that they don’t believe Paye’s injury is long term.
“We’re optimistic about it, we really don’t think it’s going to be bad,” Reich said Thursday. “I don’t think it’s a long term thing, it was pretty mild, but we want to be safe.”
Paye was enjoying a strong start to training camp working exclusively as one of the starting defensive ends opposite Tyquan Lewis. His speed, bend and athleticism when running the arc has already shown up in practices, but his progression will be halted for now as he heals up.
It’s not the end of the world that Paye could miss the preseason opener on Sunday as a precaution, but defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus does hope Paye can get those types of reps later in the preseason.
“It’s reps that we wish he would have had, that’s for sure – going against the opponent that’s coming in here and I think that’s good for everybody. It’s good for the corners, it’s good for the linebackers, the whole matchup conversation,” said Eberflus on Wednesday. “It’s good for that too. He’s going to miss that if he does indeed and we’ll have to make it up another way.”
Hopefully, Paye won’t be sidelined too long with the ankle sprain. But the Colts will continue to be cautious with the No. 21 overall pick from April’s draft.
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