Here's what to know about the injury status of Julian Blackmon and other Colts
INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts are working through the longest injury list of the season so far, with many key names in limbo heading into Sunday's home game against the Jaguars.
But, for now, they have yet to place any of them on injured reserve.
Free safety Julian Blackmon (ankle) was back at practice Wednesday, his first action since leaving the win over the Chiefs two weeks ago. Running back Nyheim Hines and defensive end Tyquan Lewis were in red non-contact jerseys as they both work through the league's concussion protocol.
Running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (hip) did not practice but did get in some work off to the side during the portion of practice that was open to the media. Defensive end Kwity Paye was present without a walking boot but was not practicing.
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Linebacker Shaquille Leonard was not present at practice. He's in the concussion protocol but also has a broken nose, and the Colts had been waiting for the swelling to go down in order to move forward with his recovery.
Colts coach Frank Reich held off on updates on the majority of injured players. But he did give an answer on Paye, who exited last Thursday's win over the Broncos on a cart and whom NFL Network reported has a high-ankle sprain.
"I think we'll continue to evaluate that day by day and week by week," he said. "It is an ankle injury, so we'll see. He's responding well, but we just have to take it day by day."
The fact that the Colts haven't placed Paye or Leonard on injured reserve yet could indicate that their injuries are not long-term. They did use injured reserve with wide receiver and ace special teamer Ashton Dulin, who suffered a foot injury against the Broncos.
Tony Brown (concussion), Stephon Gilmore (rest), Eric Johnson II (illness), Kelly (hip), Leonard (concussion/nose/back), Yannick Ngakuoe (rest), Paye (ankle) and Taylor (ankle) did not participate in practice according to the team's official injury report. Blackmon, Hines and Lewis were limited participants.
If Blackmon is able to come back this week, it'll send seventh-round rookie Rodney Thomas II back to a reserve and special teams role. Thomas II has been a revelation the past three weeks, winning on 1-on-1 deep passes from Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson to help preserve victories. With Rodney McLeod taking every snap at the strong safety spot due in part to his communication and experience, the Colts could look into the occasional three-safety set to get Thomas II on the field.
The Colts have two more practices on Thursday and Friday ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff.
Contact Colts insider Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts news: What to know about Julian Blackmon, other Colts' injuries
