The Indianapolis Colts defensive line is expected to be the team’s strongest unit, but one of the most recent arrivals has yet to make his debut.
The Colts acquired veteran Raekwon Davis to a two-year, $14 million contract in March, hoping to add depth behind starter Grover Stewart at one-technique defensive lineman.
Davis was expected to be a crucial member of the rotation behind Stewart, despite the fact that the organization did not spend a lot of money on him.
The issue is that Davis entered training camp on the non-football illness list owing to high blood pressure. He has yet to practice.
When asked if Davis’ illness could carry over into the regular season, head coach Shane Steichen did not give a positive response.
“I hope not,” Steichen told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s progressing well, so hopefully he’ll be out there sooner than later.”
The Colts saw firsthand how bad the run defense can be without Stewart in the lineup, when he was suspended for six games during the 2023 season. During that time, the Colts allowed 4.7 yards per run and more than 153 rushing yards per game, which were among the worst figures in the league.
Davis isn’t expected to save the defense, but he does promise to provide valuable depth behind one of the league’s finest run defenses.
If this condition continues into the regular season, the Colts may have an underappreciated problem on their hands.
