Jan 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods (80) catches the ball during warm ups before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Colts' Roster Moves Affect Two Oft-Injured Young Talents

Originally posted on Indianapolis Colts on SI
By Sean Ackerman | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 11:22 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts are waiving tight end Jelani Woods and are expected to place linebacker Jaylon Carlies on Injured Reserve, with a designation to return, per multiple reports. The two reported moves continue a series of roster changes as the Colts cut down to the 53-man limit ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline.

Woods, a former third-round pick in 2022, has rarely played for the Colts. After appearing in 15 games in year one, Woods has not touched the field the past two seasons due to hamstring issues and a season-ending toe injury. The 6-foot-7 giant was on an expiring contract entering the 2025 season.

Colts are releasing TE Jelani Woods, per source.

Former third-round pick has intriguing skill set as 6-foot-7 ‘Y’ tight end with 4.6 speed. But had trouble staying healthy in Indy. pic.twitter.com/rvobdDMrh8
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 26, 2025

Woods' career game came against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 of the 2022 season, when he caught two touchdowns to lead the Colts to victory against the eventual Super Bowl champions. He also showed out against the Pittsburgh Steelers that season in an eight-reception, 98-yard performance.

Carlies, who was a fifth-round pick in 2024, will miss at least four games to start the regular season. The expectation is for Carlies to return after a short stint on IR, per Indy Star's Joel Erickson.

Carlies must miss four games, but the expectation is that it'll be a minimum IR stint or close to it. https://t.co/PQNBd2z9VA
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 26, 2025

Carlies has missed the majority of preseason prep due to a lingering ankle injury. The former Missouri Tiger started six games for the Colts last season, recording 36 tackles and one sack in the process.

Circling back to the tight end room, there are four clear names that remain. Rookie Tyler Warren leads the pack with veterans Mo Alie-Cox, Andrew Ogletree, and Will Mallory following suit. The Colts did choose to keep four tight ends on the roster last season, and it's highly possible they do the same in 2025.

Looking at the depth chart, the linebacker position is a weak spot for Indy. The team let former starter E.J. Speed walk to the division rival Houston Texans this offseason, putting Carlies in line for the starting job. With Carlies' injury issues, Joe Bachie will likely become the frontrunner for playing time.