UPDATE: Colts icons Miss out Practice due to severe injury

Matt Gay missed practice on Wednesday due to a sports hernia, which is typically a kicking day for the Colts, as noted by Shane Steichen. On Wednesday, Steichen clarified that Gay’s injury is a sports hernia, not a groin issue as initially mentioned on Monday. Although Steichen did not confirm if Gay had surgery, he indicated that the injury is not expected to be a long-term problem.

However, there is uncertainty about the kicker position for Sunday’s season opener, especially given the Colts’ investment in this position. If Gay is unable to play, undrafted free agent Spencer Shrader, who is on the practice squad, would likely step in. Shrader had a mixed season at Notre Dame but made field goals from 41 and 56 yards in the preseason finale against the Bengals. The uncertainty surrounding a rookie kicker could affect fourth-down decisions in a close game. Steichen mentioned that Gay sustained the hernia injury after the preseason finale against Cincinnati, where he kicked the initial extra point before Shrader took over the rest of the kicking duties.

Meanwhile, Wednesday marked four weeks since receiver Josh Downs suffered a high ankle sprain during training camp, and he remains out of practice. Despite playing through injury in his rookie season, including a limited role in a win over the Patriots, Steichen has not ruled Downs out for Sunday. However, with only two practices remaining this week, it is uncertain if Downs will be ready. Additionally, considering the team has 12 consecutive games before the bye week, the decision to play Downs in a limited role might be influenced by the long-term implications of his injury. Last year, the Colts had a bye week following their game against the Patriots, which differs from this year’s schedule.