During the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 2 preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals, third-year tight end Jelani Woods sustained a foot injury and had to leave the game. Initially, head coach Shane Steichen was optimistic, suggesting that Woods’ injury wouldn’t sideline him for an extended period.
#Colts TE Jelani Woods is expected to have surgery this week to repair his turf toe, sources say, and he’s out indefinitely.
A rough reality for Woods, who also missed 2023 with hamstring issues. pic.twitter.com/SfMuibIRFv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2024
However, it has since been revealed that Woods’ condition is more severe than initially anticipated. The tight end is now scheduled to undergo surgery for what has been diagnosed as a serious case of turf toe—a condition that typically doesn’t require surgical intervention. The decision for surgery indicates that both Woods and the team believe this is the best option for a full recovery.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Woods has been placed on “indefinite” status, a situation that is far from ideal. This is particularly concerning for Woods, who missed his entire second NFL season due to persistent hamstring injuries and now faces the possibility of missing another season.
Woods had already been struggling in the tight end competition during training camp, with doubts emerging about his place on the roster. The Colts now face a critical decision regarding his future: whether to place him on season-ending injured reserve, one of the NFL’s two new IR spots designated for return, or potentially release him. The most likely scenarios are the first two options, but the final decision will depend on how Woods’ recovery progresses and the team’s evaluation of his long-term potential.