Colts Activate Arden Key from Injured Reserve Ahead of Dolphins Game

The Indianapolis Colts announced they have activated defensive end Arden Key from injured reserve on Saturday, Stampede Blue reported.

Key’s return comes at a critical juncture for a defensive front that was recently depleted by the trade of DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since a hamstring injury occurred during a Week 4 win against the Washington Commanders in London. That injury forced him to miss the team’s last five games.

While Key's presence offers a boost to the pass-rushing rotation, the roster moves also brought setbacks. The Colts placed tight end Mo Alie-Cox and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither on injured reserve.

The team also signed linebacker West Weeks to the 53-man roster to help manage depth issues. Weeks, an undrafted rookie from LSU, has spent the season developing on the practice squad. His promotion provides an additional option for both linebacker duties and special teams play.

The injury to Alie-Cox is particularly impactful for the Colts’ offensive structure.

Akeem Davis-Gaither is out with a knee injury, a setback that follows his absence from last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. With Jaylon Carlies also ruled out for Sunday, the linebacker corps is notably thin.

Rookie CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher are expected to see increased responsibilities in the linebacker group. On the defensive line, Key joins a rotation that has been anchored by Laiatu Latu, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, and Caden Curry.

Colts Activate Arden Key from Injured Reserve Ahead of Dolphins Game

Before his injury, Key had started all four games he played this season. During those contests, he recorded eight tackles, half a sack, and one forced fumble. Although he was listed as questionable on Friday, he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

Player	Status/Move	Injury/Context
Arden Key	Activated from IR	Hamstring
Mo Alie-Cox	Placed on IR	Groin
Akeem Davis-Gaither	Placed on IR	Knee
West Weeks	Signed to 53-man roster	Undrafted rookie (LSU)

Indianapolis currently holds a 2-7 record and has lost five consecutive games. As the season progresses, the organization appears to be prioritizing the evaluation of younger talent. This shift in focus coincides with a period of heavy roster turnover and mounting health concerns across multiple position groups.

The Colts face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.