INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts’ health situation remains a mixed bag.
Defensive tackle Raekwon Davis has been activated from the non-football injury (NFI) list, but the team might be without tight end Jelani Woods and rookie offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini for Thursday’s preseason finale at Cincinnati.
Woods and Bortolini left last Saturday’s game against Arizona with toe injuries.
The importance of Davis’ return can’t be overstated. The 6-7, 325-pounder was one of Chris Ballard’s few offseason free-agent acquisitions. After four seasons and 47 starts with the Miami Dolphins, Davis signed a two-year, $14 million contract with $7 million guaranteed.
His transition with the Colts was stalled when he was placed on NFI at the start of training camp with high blood pressure. Coach Shane Steichen repeatedly insisted Davis was making progress, but camp opened and closed with Davis on the field.
He is expected to provide a quality backup for nose tackle Grover Stewart.
The Colts also waived-injured guard Josh Sills, signed linebacker Mike Smith Jr. and center Mike Panasiuk and placed center Ryan Coll on the injured reserve list.
If Sills clears waivers, he’ll revert to the Colts’ injured reserve list.
