One day after Kenny Moore, Alec Pierce, and Bernhard Raimann returned to the practice field, the Indianapolis Colts got more good news on Wednesday.
According to The Athletic’s James Boyd, back on the practice field were Kwity Paye (groin), Jaylon Jones (hamstring), and JuJu Brents (hamstring).
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Jones and Brents have each missed most of training camp up to this point, while Paye has missed time since the first preseason game.
We do not know to what extent these three players are practicing on Wednesday, whether it’s just individual work or if they are participating in team drills. Typically, after missed time, a ramp-up period is required.
The return of Jones and Brents provides a needed boost to the cornerback position, which has had to navigate a number of injuries this offseason.
However, how exactly each of these players fits into the Colts‘ new-look defense under Lou Anarumo remains to be seen.
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The starting spot opposite of Charvarius Ward has been up for grabs all summer and still seems to be, but Jones and Brents have missed out on a lot of reps in what is a new scheme.
So, although Jones started last season and Brents is a fairly recent early-round pick by the Colts, it’s no longer assumed that either will hold that starting spot, especially with the addition of Xavien Howard, who has already taken his share of first-team reps.
Now, that doesn’t mean Jones and Brents will be backups for the entire season. This is a defensive scheme where we will see a heavy reliance on the defensive back position group, but that playing time will have to be earned, and opportunities are now limited given where we are at in the preseason.
Paye, meanwhile, will continue starting opposite of Laiatu Latu at defensive end.
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This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts injury updates: Kwity Paye, JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones return