Colts Place Rookie Hunter Wohler and Two Others on Injured Reserve
The Indianapolis Colts’ already thin secondary has taken another hit with the loss of rookie safety Hunter Wohler, who was placed on injured reserve alongside offensive tackle Blake Freeland and linebacker Jacob Phillips.
Wohler sustained a Lisfranc injury to his foot, which is expected to require surgery, ending his season before it began. He had shown promise during training camp and preseason and was projected to contribute in specific defensive packages. His injury follows that of fellow rookie Justin Walley, marking another setback for a secondary undergoing a rebuild under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Wohler, a seventh-round pick from Wisconsin, now joins Walley in missing his entire rookie campaign.
Jacob Phillips, a fifth-year linebacker signed earlier this year to a reserve/future deal, also lands on IR due to a biceps injury. Originally drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2020, Phillips has recorded 88 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 pass breakups across 20 games, including 8 starts.
Freeland’s injury was anticipated after he suffered a severe leg fracture during the Colts’ preseason loss to the Packers. A fourth-round pick in 2023, Freeland had been competing for the swing tackle role and was listed as the backup to starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann. He played in 25 games and started 9 times as a rookie last season.
In response to these roster moves, the Colts signed veteran cornerback Xavien Howard to bolster their defensive backfield.
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