Indianapolis Colts' Shane Steichen expresses concern over veteran defender

The Indianapolis Colts defensive line is expected to be the strongest unit on the roster, but one of the newer additions has yet to make his debut.

Hoping to find some depth behind starter Grover Stewart at the one-technique defensive tackle position, the Colts signed veteran Raekwon Davis to a two-year deal worth $14 million in March.

Though the team didn't break the bank for Davis, he was expected to be a key piece in the rotation behind Stewart.

The problem is Davis entered training camp on the non-football illness list due to high blood pressure. He has yet to practice.

Head coach Shane Steichen didn't exactly give a vote of confidence when asked whether Davis' illness could go into the regular season.

"I hope not," Steichen told reporters Wednesday. "He's progressing well, so hopefully he'll be out there sooner than later.”

The Colts witnessed first-hand just how poorly the run defense can be without Stewart in the lineup — he was suspended for six games during the 2023 season. During that span, the Colts allowed 4.7 yards per carry and over 153 rushing yards per game, some of the worst marks in the league.

Davis isn't expected to be a savior for the defense, but he did figure to provide quality depth behind one of the best run defenders in the entire league.

If this situation lingers into the regular season, the Colts could have an underrated issue on their hands.

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