Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who is reportedly dealing with a fracture in his left fibula, spoke about the special 3D-printed pad he’s played with over the last two games during a chat with reporters on Wednesday.
In essence, two of Jones’ close friends (and former Duke teammates) created a 3D-printing company that provides protective devices to help athletes recover from ailments.
Michael Marot of the Associated Press provided more insight.
“Jones didn’t elaborate much on what the extra padding does exactly other than noting Colts doctors and trainers gave him the approval to wear it.
“Former Duke center Clark Bulleit and former Duke linebacker Kevin Gehsmann started the company, Protect3D, to produce custom-printed 3D braces and orthotics that help athletes recover from injuries. They created an app that allows the products to be scanned to mobile phones or tablets and are then printed out. The Durham, North Carolina,-based company also says it works with an advisory board of physicians and trainers that are listed on the website.“
Jones previously utilized padding from the company after he suffered a broken left clavicle while playing at Duke in 2018, and now he’s using the company again seven years later.
The seven-year pro said his friend Kevin Gehsmann delivered the pad to him in Kansas City when the Colts were in town to play the Chiefs on Nov. 23. He used it again last Sunday when Indianapolis faced the Houston Texans.
As far as the pad’s fit, Jones said it’s “low-profile” and “fits my leg pretty well.”
Jones is enjoying a breakout season with the Colts, completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 19 touchdowns (seven interceptions) and 3,041 yards.
Although the Colts have encountered some struggles of late with three losses in four games, Indianapolis is tied for first in the AFC South with an 8-4 record alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars.
They can create some distance on Sunday when they visit the Jags for a pivotal divisional matchup.