The Colts’ defensive line could be getting a vital piece back shortly.
Tyquan Lewis will return to practice this week after missing the previous seven games with an elbow ailment.
A return to practice does not guarantee that Lewis will be available to play against Detroit.
The Colts are opening Lewis’ 21-day practice window, which means the veteran defensive lineman will have 21 days to work with the team before being activated to the 53-man roster or placed on injured reserve.
Lewis is a crucial member of Indianapolis’ defensive line rotation.
Lewis, who can play both on the edge and in the inside, recorded 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and nine quarterback pressures in the first four games of the season before being injured.
If Lewis returns against the Lions, the Colts’ defensive line will be the closest it has been to full strength since the season began. Indianapolis lost Samson Ebukam to a torn Achilles tendon on the third day of training camp, followed by defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, defensive end Kwity Paye, and Lewis in three consecutive weeks.
Paye returned after two weeks, Buckner after five, and now the Colts may have Lewis back for the stretch push.
