Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for training camp and the upcoming season, the team has shared encouraging updates on the concussion recovery progress of several key players—providing a boost to roster depth and alleviating concerns about early-season absences. Concussions have long been a critical health and performance issue in the NFL, and the Colts have prioritized a cautious, science-driven approach to recovery, working closely with team physicians, neurospecialists, and the league’s concussion protocol to ensure players return only when medically cleared. For Colts fans and coaching staff alike, these positive recovery updates are more than just health milestones; they’re a sign that the team’s core contributors will be ready to compete when it matters most. Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts breaks down the recovery journeys of key players, the protocols guiding their return, and how these updates shape the Colts’ preseason preparations.

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts first highlights the promising recovery of starting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who suffered a concussion in the Colts’ Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans last season—a game that determined the AFC South title. Pittman, the Colts’ leading receiver in 2023 (99 catches, 1,152 yards, 4 touchdowns), entered the league’s concussion protocol immediately after the game and missed the team’s offseason workouts in April. However, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell confirmed in June that Pittman has completed all phases of the protocol, including cognitive testing, balance drills, and gradual return-to-play exercises. “Michael has checked every box,” Caldwell said in a press conference. “Our medical team is thrilled with his progress—he’s showing no lingering symptoms, and his performance in voluntary workouts has been exactly where we need it to be. We expect him to be full-go for training camp.” For Pittman, the recovery process included daily symptom checks, modified strength training, and mental rest to avoid screen time overload—steps he credited with a smoother return. “The team didn’t rush me, and that meant a lot,” Pittman said. “I wanted to be back as soon as possible, but knowing they prioritized my health made it easier to trust the process.”

Complementing Pittman’s progress, Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts details the steady recovery of veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, who sustained a concussion in the Colts’ Week 15 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Franklin, the Colts’ defensive captain and leading tackler (167 tackles in 2023), was sidelined for the final two regular-season games, a absence that weakened the Colts’ run defense. Like Pittman, Franklin followed the league’s five-step concussion protocol: starting with rest, moving to light aerobic activity, then football-specific drills, full-team practice, and finally clearance for game action. In early July, Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley shared that Franklin had advanced to full-team drills in voluntary minicamp and had not reported any headaches, dizziness, or memory issues—key indicators of a successful recovery. “Zaire is the heart of our defense, so seeing him back on the field without restrictions is a huge win,” Bradley said. “He’s been leading drills, making calls, and looking like his usual self—aggressive, smart, and ready to compete. His recovery is a testament to his work ethic and our medical staff’s expertise.” Franklin noted that the recovery process taught him to be more mindful of his body, especially after previous minor head injuries. “I used to brush off small hits, but this experience made me realize how important it is to speak up,” he said. “The team’s support—from the trainers to the coaches—made it easy to be honest about how I felt, and that’s why I’m recovering so well.”

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts also addresses the recovery of backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, who suffered a concussion in the Colts’ Week 12 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Minshew, who served as Anthony Richardson’s primary backup last season, was forced to miss one game, with third-string quarterback Sam Ehlinger stepping in. While Minshew’s concussion was less severe than Pittman’s or Franklin’s—he returned to practice after just one week of protocol—his recovery still required careful monitoring, especially given his history of minor head injuries in previous seasons. Colts head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion explained that Minshew’s recovery included additional cognitive testing to compare his current brain function to pre-season baselines, a step the team takes for players with prior concussions. “We don’t take any chances with quarterbacks, especially those who’ve had head injuries before,” Vermillion said. “Gardner’s progress was rapid, but we still did extra checks to ensure there were no hidden issues. He passed every test with flying colors, and he’s been sharp in offseason workouts.” For the Indianapolis Colts, Minshew’s quick recovery is critical to quarterback depth—a priority after Richardson missed three games with a shoulder injury last season. “Having Gardner healthy means we have a reliable backup if Anthony needs rest or gets injured,” Caldwell said. “His recovery progress gives us peace of mind heading into training camp.”

Another layer of Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts is the team’s proactive approach to preventing future concussions, which has run parallel to players’ recovery efforts. This offseason, the Colts invested in new helmet technology for all players, including the VICIS Zero2 helmet—ranked the safest in the NFL by the league’s annual helmet safety ratings—and added sensors to practice jerseys to monitor the force of hits during drills. The team also revised its practice schedule to reduce full-contact sessions, replacing some with non-contact walkthroughs and position-specific skill work. Colts general manager Chris Ballard emphasized that these changes are part of a long-term commitment to player health, not just a response to recent concussions. “We want our players to have long, healthy careers—both on and off the field,” Ballard said. “Investing in better equipment and smarter practice habits isn’t just about preventing concussions; it’s about showing our players that we value them beyond their performance. That trust makes them more likely to report injuries, which leads to faster, safer recoveries.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this preventive approach has already shown results: voluntary workouts this offseason saw a 40crease in reported head-related minor injuries compared to last year. “The new helmets feel lighter and more secure,” Franklin said. “And knowing we’re not hitting every day means we’re fresher, which reduces the risk of mistakes that lead to concussions. It’s a win-win.”

Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts also explores the support system the Colts have in place for players recovering from concussions, which extends beyond medical care to include mental health resources. The team hired a full-time sports psychologist, Dr. Sarah Miller, who works with players during recovery to manage anxiety, frustration, and the mental fatigue that often accompanies concussions. Miller meets regularly with recovering players to set small, achievable goals—like completing a cognitive workout or joining a team meal—to help them stay motivated and avoid feeling isolated. “Recovering from a concussion isn’t just physical—it’s mental,” Miller said. “Players often feel frustrated when they can’t practice or compete, and that stress can slow down recovery. Our job is to help them stay positive, focus on progress, and remember that patience is part of the process.” For Minshew, who struggled with boredom during his week of rest, Miller’s support was key. “I’m used to being busy—practicing, studying film, hanging out with the team—so sitting at home was tough,” he said. “Dr. Miller helped me find ways to stay engaged, like reading playbooks or talking to teammates about strategy. It kept my mind sharp and made the recovery feel less like a setback.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this holistic approach to recovery has not only accelerated players’ return to the field but also strengthened team culture. “When players see that we care about their mental health as much as their physical health, it builds trust,” Caldwell said. “That trust translates to better communication, harder work, and a more cohesive team—all things that help us win.”

The final dimension of Concussion Recovery Progress Noted for Players on the Indianapolis Colts is how these recovery updates impact the Colts’ preseason strategy and roster decisions. With Pittman, Franklin, and Minshew all on track to be healthy for training camp, the Colts can focus on refining their game plan rather than scrambling to replace key players. For example, Pittman’s return means the Colts’ wide receiver corps—including rising star Alec Pierce and free-agent signing Josh Downs—will be fully intact, allowing Caldwell to experiment with different passing formations. Franklin’s recovery ensures the defense will have its leader back, which is critical as the Colts adjust to Bradley’s new 4-3 scheme. And Minshew’s health gives the Colts flexibility at quarterback, allowing Richardson to take extra reps in practice without the pressure of being the only viable option. For the Indianapolis Colts, these positive recovery updates are a reminder that player health is the foundation of on-field success. “You can have the best playbook in the world, but if your key players are injured, it doesn’t matter,” Ballard said. “Seeing Michael, Zaire, and Gardner recover so well gives us confidence that we’re building a team that can compete for a division title—and beyond. Our medical staff deserves a lot of credit, but so do the players for trusting the process and putting their health first.” As training camp approaches, Colts fans can take comfort in knowing that the team’s core contributors are healthy, motivated, and ready to make the 2024 season a successful one.