Much of the talk surrounding the rookie class for the Indianapolis Colts has been around defensive end Kwity Paye, and for good reason. But it appears second-round pick Dayo Odeyingbo is working his way back in hopes of returning at some point during his rookie campaign.
Odeyingbo has been on the Non-football injury (NFI) list for the entirety of training camp and the preseason. He suffered a torn Achilles in January while training for the NFL combine, but the Colts selected him in the second round regardless.
Head coach Frank Reich provided a small update on Odeyingbo earlier in the week.
“He’s making good progress considering where he was with (Eric) Fisher. I think everything is kind of paralleling the course. We feel very optimistic and positive about what he’s doing,” Reich told the media. “It’s funny you said that. I was just saying the same thing to Chris (Ballard) yesterday, ‘Man, I just want to see that next step for him too.’ I think we’re getting close, but he’s making good progress.”
Odeyingbo may not have the name power of a Kwity Paye, but he’s one of Chris Ballard’s favorite picks from the 2021 class. They are taking a long-term approach and feel that path could lead to many years of Odeyingbo wrecking backfields as a versatile defender.
Fitting the same mold as Denico Autry, the Colts also see Odeyingbo holding a role similar to that of Justin Tuck with the New York Giants. If they wind up getting a similar career arc, consider that a massive win for the defense.
It isn’t clear when Odyeingbo will be ready to return. The Colts are going to take it slow with the rookie.
But it will certainly be an exciting time when he finally gets back on the field to show just what kind of upside he possesses.
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