The Indianapolis Colts have dealt with injuries already throughout the 2023 season and now must add more names to the list. After the 29-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams , it’s been reported that cornerback Dallis Flowers will miss the rest of the year with an Achilles injury.
Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle reported, "#Colts HC Shane Steichen said Kwity Paye picked up symptoms after the game and is in the concussion protocol. Dallis Flowers suffered an Achilles injury and is out for the season. Jonathan Taylor will be out there at practice Wednesday. They've had good conversations."
With starting defensive end Kwity Paye and his 3.0 sacks on the season now in the concussion protocol, he will be evaluated throughout the upcoming practice week.
Lastly, Steichen confirmed that running back Jonathan Taylor will be returning to practice on Wednesday and has a chance to suit up in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.
Flowers' loss is a tough hit for the Colts. The second-year player was promoted to starting cornerback this season after being a return specialist for nearly all of 2022. Through the four games he played in 2023, he collected 15 tackles, 3 passes defended, and a solid 70.6 pass coverage grade on 176 snaps per Pro Football Focus.
Flowers wasn’t necessarily lighting the league on fire, but he was playing well and seemingly getting better as the games passed. After this news of his season-ending Achilles injury, the question will now be, “Who will fill those shoes?”
Currently, it’s Darrell Baker Jr. and rookie Jaylon Jones who are next in line. Veteran Tony Brown could also jump in but is currently the backup slot corner behind Kenny Moore II.
Baker was initially in the starting lineup but was relieved in favor of rookie JuJu Brents after a rough first two games (Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans). Will the Colts turn to him for a second chance? If not, the rookie Jones could be ready to shine.
During the preseason, the Texas A&M product was consistent and physical in coverage, which allowed him to showcase that he may deserve some starting snaps. While Jones hasn’t played much this season, he has promise and could be a defender who may just have the talent to become a capable cornerback in the NFL.
The last possibility could be a corner gets elevated from the Colts’ practice squad or the team dips into available corners in free agency. Regardless of which route they take, it will be a significant role to fill in the place of Flowers. The young secondary will have to continue to adjust as the Titans are next and will look to continue their winning ways after destroying the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-3.
Look for the Colts to address this new turn of events and try to adjust on the fly with the weakest position on their defense.
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