Colts' Starting Defender Expected to Miss Multiple Weeks

The Indianapolis Colts do what they can to manufacture a consistent pass rush, but they'll need even more help as of last Sunday.

In the Colts' 30-13 win over the Washington Commanders, starting edge defender Arden Key left the game with a hamstring injury and did not return.

"Key, he's going to miss some time with a hamstring," Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Monday.

On Tuesday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler gave further details. "Colts pass rusher Arden Key is expected to miss about 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury, per sources," Fowler posted on X.

As to whether the Injured Reserve list, which would shelf Key for at least four games, is in consideration for Key, Steichen said, “We haven't got there yet.”

After Key's exit on Sunday, Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Caden Curry saw an increase in action.

Tuimoloau played a season-high 34 snaps and notched a tackle and a quarterback hit. Curry also played a season-high 15 snaps and added a tackle.

“Yeah, we'll work through that. Obviously, Curry's been playing in there. JT's (Tuimoloau) in there," Steichen answered when asked who would fill Key's role. "We'll see how the week goes, with (George) Gumbs Jr. possibly. We'll work through that this week.”

Curry and George Gumbs Jr. are rookie draft picks for the Colts. Curry has played in each of the Colts' four games so far, seeing 34 defensive snaps and 72 on special teams. He has eight tackles.

Gumbs has yet to be active for any of the Colts' regular-season games.

Key has eight tackles this season, 0.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and one forced fumble.

Without Key, whose 68.7 pass-rush grade is the best among Colts edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus, the Colts may need to blitz more often to generate pressure, as their four-man rush will be even weaker.

The Colts currently rank 25th in the NFL in blitz frequency at 21.7%, according to TruMedia. Their nine sacks on the season are tied for 14th in the NFL.

Key has started all four of the Colts' games alongside Laiatu Latu. Veteran Micheal Clemons was placed on IR last week with a toe injury, leaving the Colts otherwise with Tuimoloau, Curry, and Gumbs on the active roster, and Mitchell Melton on the practice squad.

On Monday, the Colts worked out free-agent edge defender Eric Watts, who spent the last two years with the New York Jets.

The Colts' next matchup is this Sunday on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, which can be viewed on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET.