The Indianapolis Colts will be without starting defensive end Arden Key for an extended stretch after he hurt his hamstring in Sunday’s 30–13 win over the Washington Commanders in London, with Jeremy Fowler reporting on Tuesday, October 6, that Key is expected to be sidelined for roughly three to four weeks.
Head coach Shane Steichen had already signalled on Monday that the injury was more than a short-term problem, telling reporters that Key would “miss some time.” The team has not given a timeline of its own, and Fowler’s three-to-four-week window has not been confirmed by the club. Key is not expected to be available when the Colts travel to Pittsburgh this weekend.
Colts pass rusher Arden Key is expected to miss about 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury, per sources.
Head coach Shane Steichen said Monday that Key, a starter, would miss ‘some time.’ pic.twitter.com/2qsGqC8dQQ
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 6, 2026
One decision is still open: whether to move the 30-year-old to injured reserve. A stay on IR would sideline him for at least four games, which roughly matches the reported recovery estimate, so Indianapolis may weigh keeping the roster spot against having him back as soon as he is healthy.
What Indianapolis loses up front
Key has started all four games for the Colts this season and taken 171 defensive snaps, the second-highest total among the team’s defensive ends. He has eight tackles, half a sack, three quarterback hits and a forced fumble.
His absence hits a unit that is already struggling to get home. The Colts’ edge rushers have combined for only 1.5 sacks through four games, and the defensive front is also without Micheal Clemons. Steichen named second-round pick JT Tuimoloau and rookies Caden Curry and George Gumbs as players who could see more work, and Laiatu Latu is expected to take on a bigger share as well.
The club has also been looking outside the building. Aaron Wilson reported that Indianapolis worked out defensive end Eric Watts, who spent his first two NFL seasons with the New York Jets, and the Colts had earlier brought in veterans Carl Lawson, Preston Smith and David Ojabo for tryouts. None of them has been signed.
Where the Colts stand
The London win, built on two Jonathan Taylor touchdowns, lifted Indianapolis to 2–2. The Colts now face a road test against a Steelers team that has its own injury problems on defense, and they will have to manufacture pressure on the quarterback without one of their most experienced linemen.
A three-to-four-week absence would put Key’s return somewhere around the end of October, although that depends on how the hamstring responds to rehab and whether the team chooses the injured reserve route.
What comes next
The Colts visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The first practice report of the week will show Key’s participation and any roster move the team makes on the defensive line. Follow the Colts team page and the NFL injury report for official designations.
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