The Indianapolis Colts approach the 2024 season with several players primed for a comeback. Many of these players endured season-ending injuries or injuries that sidelined them before the start of the regular season. Regardless, the Colts lost some key playmakers in 2024, including their franchise quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Aside from Richardson, though, there are still several key players whose 2024 season did not end the way they had hoped. As the Colts build upon their stellar 2023 season, these three comeback players will need to make a big impact in 2024.
Three Under-the-Radar Players Ready for a Comeback
Jelani Woods
One of the most intriguing players looking for a comeback is Colts tight end Jelani Woods. As a rookie in 2022, Woods showed flashes of how his size can overmatch his opponents. Through 15 games and two starts, Woods finished his rookie year with three touchdowns on 25 receptions. He had a catch percentage rate of 62.5% and averaged 12.5 yards per reception. Needless to say, Woods has significant potential to be the Colts’ top tight end and even a top tight end in the league.
The issue for Woods in 2023 was that he never suited up for a game. After suffering a hamstring injury in the offseason, the hope was that Woods would be able to still play. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve at the start of the season and remained there for the entirety of the season. Woods certainly has the most upside out of the Colts’ young tight ends. Therefore, while his second season did not go as planned, the expectation is that his third season will prove to be his best. This offseason, it appears that Woods is on the road to being fully healed and ready to go. If he is anything that the Colts anticipate that he can be, he could become a key impact player moving forward.
Dallis Flowers
Similar to Jelani Woods, Dallis Flowers was a rookie in 2022. As a rookie cornerback, Flowers showed signs of big playmaking ability while finishing with 10 solo tackles and one forced fumble in 13 game appearances and one start. Going into 2023, the Colts elevated Flowers to the starting role opposite Kenny Moore II. In the four games he started before his season-ending Achilles injury, Flowers allowed only one touchdown and allowed a 60% completion rate.
What makes Flowers one of the players ready for a comeback with the Colts is the fact that his presence on the field was severely missed in the secondary. When Flowers went down, the secondary struggled. Thus, signifying his worth to the team. He is the most under-the-radar player looking for a breakout and comeback year in 2024. It will be interesting to see if he can pick right back where he left off in 2023.
Jonathan Taylor
With so much buzz surrounding the return of Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor is flying a bit under the radar. Taylor began the 2023 season on injured reserve. However, after coming off and seeing the playing field in week five, he injured his thumb in week 12. This sidelined him for another 3 weeks. Unlike Woods and Flowers, though, Taylor needs to have a comeback in 2024. This will be the second straight season in which he is coming off a sub-1,000-yard year. It will also be the second straight season in which he is coming off an injury-laden year. The Colts also signed Taylor to a massive contract extension. Needless to say, there is a lot of pressure on Taylor to perform. He has been explosive before. He needs to be explosive again.
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