The Indianapolis Colts faced a significant setback during their preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 26, 2023, as offensive lineman Blake Freeland suffered a fractured right leg. The injury occurred in the first half, specifically during the second quarter on a running play. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed the diagnosis following the Colts’ narrow 23-19 loss.
Freeland’s injury unfolded early in the second quarter on a critical third-and-1 play. As the play concluded, his right leg was pinned beneath several players, forcing him to the ground. Medical staff attended to him for several minutes, ultimately placing his leg in a protective boot. As he was lifted onto the golf cart, teammates gathered around to offer their support.
In addressing the situation, Steichen acknowledged the inevitability of injuries in professional sports. “Injuries, we all know it’s part of the game and part of the journey,” he stated. “Everyone, at some point, if they play enough in this league is going to have an injury. It’s the way you attack your rehab and go through it and know there’s a plan for your life in this game.”
Freeland’s injury adds to the challenges facing an offensive line that had already struggled against Green Bay’s pass rushers during joint practices earlier in the week. The three-year veteran from Brigham Young University was expected to provide depth behind Braden Smith and potentially serve as a swing tackle for the Colts.
The game also saw Smith exit early due to a groin injury, further complicating the Colts’ offensive strategy. With both Freeland and Smith sidelined, rookie Jalen Travis may step into a starting role for the upcoming preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 2, 2023.
Steichen expressed optimism about Travis’s performance, saying, “He got quite a bit of time out there today and I’m really pleased with him. He’s a big body tackle, a smart football player. He’s got great power, great hands at the line of scrimmage so really pleased with his progression and where he’s at.”
As the Colts prepare for their season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2023, the team will need to navigate these injuries carefully. The loss of key players like Freeland and Smith could significantly impact the team’s offensive line and overall strategy as they aim to build momentum heading into the regular season.
