INDIANAPOLIS — Colts head coach Shane Steichen is optimistic that two starters and a key special teamer will be available for the Sept. 7 season opener against Miami despite dealing with recent injuries.

Wide receiver Josh Downs has been dealing with a hamstring injury since the team’s joint practice against Green Bay, and safety Nick Cross has been battling a hip flexor since the preseason opener in Baltimore.

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Cross could be seen running at full speed and doing agility work during practice last week.

“We’ll work through that tomorrow,” Steichen said. “I would expect them to be back next week for sure, but they’re still working through it. But they’re all progressing really well.”

Indianapolis has begun the work of whittling the roster down from 90 players to 53 with at least eight cuts on Monday, and the Colts could place two players on injured reserve with a designation to return, opening a roster spot without making a cut.

Second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies is a possible candidate. He has been dealing with an ankle injury, and is expected back early in the season, but it is unclear if Indianapolis plans to place him on injured reserve.

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Steichen was also asked about veteran running back Tyler Goodson, who suffered an elbow injury in the Packers game.

Goodson avoided a major injury that would have required surgery, but he indicated to IndyStar last week that he might not be ready for Week 1.

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If healthy, Goodson is expected to play a key role on special teams and serve as one of Jonathan Taylor’s backups.

The team’s top special teamer, Ashton Dulin, suffered a concussion in practice last week and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Steichen also expects Dulin to be ready for the opener.

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“He got a concussion in practice, but he’s progressing well,” Steichen said. “He should be ready to roll.”

Joel A. Erickson covers the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Colts injuries: Two injured starters expected back for Week 1