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Indianapolis Colts: Art Jones is Seeing Specialist After MRI

By Dave McKee

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Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arthur Jones (97) during the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The potential impact of a long-term injury to Art Jones could critically impact the Indianapolis Colts front seven.

Since Jones’ signing, the results have frustrated amid such lofty expectations. This is not an issue of talent or effort on Jones’ part, but an unlucky set of nagging injuries that has hindered his performance. Before 2014, Art Jones played in 44 of 48 games over a three-year span. He is not considered an injury-prone player.

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Luckily, this injury of undetermined severity is on his left leg and not a repeated injury to the right ankle. X-rays were negative which is also a good sign, but sometimes it is better to break a bone than cause tendon or ligament damage. It sounds wrong, I know, but bones heal faster than connective tissue, it’s just that simple. If it is another high-ankle sprain Jones could lose even more explosiveness and take-off like he did last year.

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This is especially disappointing because he has shown flashes of disruption behind the line of scrimmage throughout training camp and expectations were high for his return. At best this injury hinders his performance for a couple of weeks, at worst… well, that ranges anywhere from being added to the six-week PUP list or the end of a season.

Again, this is only speculation. An expect the worst and hope for the best approach, if you will.

Yes, the 2015 Indianapolis Colts are much deeper at the defensive line than they were in 2014, but Art Jones is an integral cornerstone of the defense. The Colts need a healthy Art Jones to bolster their front-seven. This is especially true when facing the run-heavy offenses of the AFC East and other conference foes like the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers this season.

Rookies Henry Anderson, David Parry and second-year veteran Zach Kerr could see more playing time as all three have impressed in preseason. However, that just means that the defensive line rotation becomes thinner and that can cause more fatigue later in games. Let’s face it the Indianapolis Colts need some “good news” for them to feel comfortable with their defensive line this season.

UPDATE

September 2, 2015: NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that doctors have confirmed Art Jones has suffered joint damage and torn ligaments which will require surgery. It is likely Jones’ season is over but there is the possibility he could recover in time for the Colts to place him on the Injured reserve/designated to return list. If he is designated to return. He will not be allowed to practice with the team until after week six and cannot play until week 8.

Next: #IUBB Lacks Discipline

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