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Colts offensive tackle position takes massive hit with two injuries against Green Bay

The Colts were already running out a starting offensive line that did not feature left tackle Bernhard Raimann against the Packers. 

Just over a quarter in, both starting tackles are down as right tackle Braden Smith has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. 

Smith missed the end of 2024 as he endured a mental health battle. The Colts restructured his contract to allow him to hit free agency in 2026. So far, Smith has struggled in training camp to contain second-year pass rusher Laiatu Latu and was a part of Indy’s offensive line struggles in Thursday’s joint practice with Green Bay.

A couple plays later, Blake Freeland, who was starting on the left side in place of Raimann, suffered a lower leg injury and left the field on a golf cart. No official word yet, but the initial signs show a possible season-ending injury. 

Neither of the Colts top options at the tackle spot are healthy, and their depth now takes a massive hit. Freeland was jockeying with rookie Jordan Travis for the swing tackle spot, which looks like it will go to Travis now that Freeland is unavailable. 

The rest of the depth chart looks bleak. Luke Tenuta is the next man up. He’s appeared in just three NFL games, all coming with the Packers back in 2022. Marshall Foerner and Marcellus Johnson complete the list of offensive tackles, neither of whom have taken an NFL snap. 

It’s safe to say the Colts will explore their options at tackle. 

Former Brown Jedrick Wills Jr., former Seahawk George Fant and Le’Raven Clark, who spent four years in Indianapolis at the beginning of his career, are among the best options on the open market. 

As teams trim their rosters down to 53 players, general manager Chris Ballard may be able to snag an experienced player cut by his previous organization to provide more insurance in the event Foerner or Johnson don’t pan out.

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