Colts Activate DE Arden Key From IR

Headlining the list is the activation of defensive end Arden Key from injured reserve, ending his five-game absence due to a hamstring injury. Indianapolis also signed linebacker West Weeks to its 53-man roster and placed tight end Mo Alie-Cox and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither on IR.

Key, 30, went down in the Colts’ Week 4 win over the Commanders. He arrived in Indianapolis this offseason on a two-year, $16MM contract and took on a starting job in Lou Anarumo’s defense. He was relatively quiet to start the year, notching just eight tackles, three quarterback hits, and 0.5 sacks on a 64% snap share.

2025 second-round pick JT Tuimoloau has excelled opposite Laiatu Latu during Key’s absence. In the last six games, the former Ohio State Buckeye has batted down five passes and recorded the first two sacks of his pro career. With the Colts clearly looking towrads the future, the 23-year-old will likely remain a featured part of the defensive line rotation even after his veteran teammate’s return. That will also allow Key to manage his workload and avoid re-injury.

Alie-Cox is set to miss his first game for the Colts since 2020 due to a groin injury suffered last Sunday against the Cowboys. He will be joined by Davis-Gaither, who hurt his knee the week prior. Both play key roles on their respective side of the ball. Alie-Cox is a key blocker in Shane Steichen’s scheme (and arguably the elder statesmen of the offense after Quenton Nelson’s departure) while Davis-Gaither has started alongside Jaylon Carlies in the middle of the defense.

Complicating matters further is Carlies’ current neck injury that will sideline him on Sunday. He did not practice this week, raising concern about a multi-game absence. He was not placed on IR with Alie-Cox and Davis-Gaither, suggesting that the team does not believe he will be out long-term.

However, the Colts will require linebacker reinforcements against Miami. That could position Weeks, an undrafted rookie out of LSU, for his NFL debut after his promotion from the practice squad. He recorded 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2025, his first year as a full-time starter for the Tigers. He would likely see time on special teams.

Key’s activation leaves the Colts with six in-season IR activations remaining. Alec Pierce and Micheal Clemons remain on IR.