The Indianapolis Colts (2-7) began their on-field preparation on Wednesday ahead of this Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins (1-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Absent were a couple of key blockers for the Colts' offense: tight end Mo Alie-Cox (groin) and right tackle Jalen Travis (knee). They were two of seven Colts who did not practice on Wednesday.

Travis has been incredibly banged up in recent weeks, appearing on the injury report with ankle, foot, thumb, hamstring, and now knee injuries. He was replaced last Sunday by Luke Tenuta.

The Dolphins are in no better shape, injury-wise, as they placed quarterback Malik Willis (groin) and defensive lineman Zach Sieler (biceps) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday.

Here is how both teams' health is shaping up ahead of Sunday's matchup.

The Colts opened Key's 21-day practice window on Wednesday, giving them three weeks to either bring the veteran edge defender off IR from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 4, or keep him on it for the remainder of the year. His full participation on Wednesday is a good indication he may return as soon as this weekend.

Walley has also been out for the last two games after leaving Week 7 early with a knee injury. He's been sorely missed, but his full participation is a good sign of progress for his availability on Sunday.

If Alie-Cox can't play on Sunday, his work will be absorbed by fellow blocking tight end Drew Ogletree, and the Colts may also make either or both of Will Mallory or Pharaoh Brown active on gameday.

The Colts may be quite shorthanded in the defensive back seven, as Carlies, Davis-Gaither, and Haulcy were all missing on Wednesday. Carlies left last week's game early, and Davis-Gaither and Haulcy missed it altogether.

Brewer, Bell, and Trader are starters, so keep an eye on their status throughout the week. Brewer in particular, who is one of the NFL's best centers.

The Colts and Dolphins face off on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.