Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Colts optimistic about Kwity Paye's ankle injury: 'It was pretty mild'

Indianapolis Colts first-round pick Kwity Paye left practice with an ankle injury earlier this week, but it appears he didn't suffer a serious injury. 

Colts head coach Frank Reich provided an update on the edge rusher's injury prior to this weekend's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. 

"We're optimistic about it, we really don't think it's going to be bad," Reich said, according to USA Today's Kevin Hickey. "I don't think it's a long term thing, it was pretty mild, but we want to be safe."

Paye did not take part in the team's joint practice with the Panthers, and it's unlikely he'll play against Carolina on Sunday. 

The Colts selected Paye with the 21st overall pick in April's NFL Draft. In four seasons at Michigan, the 22-year-old recorded 11.5 sacks, 97 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. 

Paye isn't the only Colt dealing with an injury this summer. Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson both underwent foot surgery. DeForest Buckner is dealing with a foot injury and Nyheim Hines is dealing with a leg ailment. 

Indy opens up the 2021 season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future