INDIANAPOLIS – The gang’s all back.
In what must be considered an aberration in the ever-shifting NFL, the Indianapolis Colts have all 22 starters – along with their special teams triumvirate – back for 2024.
According to overthecap.com, the Colts return 79.3% of the players from 2023. Only Green Bay (81.8%) and Tampa Bay (79.5%) boast a bigger return rate.
It can be debated whether the Colts’ run-it-back approach is justified considering they’re coming off a 9-8 season and haven’t reached the playoffs since 2020. The only free agents not retained were Gardner Minshew II, running back Zack Moss and wideout/returner Isaiah McKenzie.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
But while so much of the offseason has been about General Manager Chris Ballard re-investing in or extending his own – Michael Pittman Jr., Zaire Franklin, DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, Grover Stewart, Tyquan Lewis, etc. – no one should ignore the status of players on the mend.
That starts with quarterback Anthony Richardson who underwent surgery on his right shoulder on Oct. 24. His rehab has advanced to the point he’s throwing with velocity during the Colts’ ongoing offseason workouts.
“He’s in a really good spot,’’ coach Shane Steichen said last month.
Veteran right tackle Braden Smith underwent surgery to address an injury to his left knee that bothered him much of the season. It’s uncertain whether Smith is doing any on-field work. Thus far, on-field work isn’t open to the media.
“Surgery was successful,’’ Ballard said in February. “He’s in good shape. Should be good to go.’’
Tight end Jelanie Woods also is on track to put 2023 behind him. The 2022 third-round pick missed his second season with hamstring issues.
The status of two others shouldn’t be dismissed: Dallis Flowers and Ashton Dulin.
Flowers benefitted from JuJu Brents’ hamstring injury and opened last season as a starting cornerback. That lasted four games before he tore his right Achilles’ tendon against the Los Angeles Rams.
Flowers has updated his rehab with video posts on social media.
“I feel good. I can’t complain,’’ he said two weeks ago. “I’m blessed to be here. Just taking it day-by-day.’’
He was pressed on a timeline to return.
“Working my way back,’’ Flowers said. “This is my first real deal injury in my life. I’ve never really missed games before. I believe that I dealt with it the best way possible that somebody could deal with this situation. Of course it was tough, but I believe that I’ve been doing the best that I could. I feel like I’m in a good spot now mentally.’’
It’s anyone’s guess whether Flowers will be ready for the start of the season. Achilles’ injuries require significant recovery time.
Even so, the Colts appear to be moving forward with Flowers in mind.
Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley noted competition at cornerback is “wide open.’’
“You have (Flowers) coming back and JuJu and JJ (Jaylon Jones),’’ he said. “We really like that part of it . . . who is going to step up and be that guy that takes the next step there at corner? Kenny (Moore II), we feel really good about and what he brings. We trust Kenny and his consistency. With those other guys it’s play-in and play-out, who can play at the standard we’re looking to play at?’’
Dulin’s return to form would impact two areas. He’s an elite special teams contributor – second-team All-Pro in 2021 – and offers proven depth in the receivers room. In 2021-22, Dulin had 28 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns.
Whenever Ballard discusses the Colts’ receivers’ situation, he almost always includes Dulin.
The Colts signed Dulin as an undrafted rookie in May 2019, and he earned a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason.
His fifth season never gained traction. Dulin tore his right ACL in a special teams drill in August during training camp.
“Simple play. Nothing crazy, non-contact,’’ he said. “Just made a cut and felt the pop.’’
Now, he’s on the road back from his first major surgery.
“I’m feeling great,’’ Dulin said. “I’m at a point in rehab where we’re ready to get rolling and get back on the field. No timetable yet, but leave it up to the doctors. It’s above my pay grade. I’m feeling good, body is feeling great. I can’t complain at all.’’
The Colts have a track record of leaning on top-tier special teams players: George Odum, Zach Pascal, Zaire Franklin, Matt Adams, E.J. Speed, Grant Stuard, Dulin, etc.
Dulin should find himself in a difficult battle to earn a spot in the receivers room, although his special teams status is an undeniable advantage.
The receivers group includes Pittman, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and draft picks Adonai Mitchell and Anthony Gould.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.