Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Arthur Jones is expected to get ankle surgery, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. The Colts have acknowledged Jones' injury, and the latest reports state that he will need surgery to repair torn ligaments and could possibly miss the entire 2015 season.
This is a big blow for the Colts, as general manager Ryan Grigson just gave Jones a five-year, $33 million dollar contract last March. Jones was signed for his versatility on the defensive line. In Jones' five seasons in the league he has played both right and left defensive end as well as defensive tackle. In the past three seasons, Jones had 10 sacks and was part of the Ravens Super Bowl team.
The Colts aren't known for their defensive line, and it hasn't gotten any better in the past couple seasons. Losing a player like Jones hurts the Colts on defense, but may provide playing time for other defensive linemen. Players like Henry Anderson, Kendall Langford, Josh Chapman, Zach Kerr, and Montori Hughes will have to step up in Jones' absence.
Jones' injury is not what Colts fans want to hear, especially after a season of losing their top pass rusher in Robert Mathis in 2014. Mathis suffered and Achilles injury that took him completely out last season, but he said after a full week of practice, "It feels good. No setbacks. No soreness," according to Sports Illustrated reporter Luke Schultheis.
The Colts were 18th in rush defense last season giving up 113.4 yards per game, and an injury like Jones' is not moving them in the right direction.
