Colts lose offensive lineman Blake Freeland with fractured right leg during Packers game

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Blake Freeland was carted off the field with a fractured right leg in the first half of Saturday’s preseason game against Green Bay.

Coach Shane Steichen confirmed the diagnosis following Indy’s 23-19 loss.

Freeland was injured early in the second quarter on a running play on third-and-1. As the play ended, Freeland’s right leg got pinned underneath other players before he fell to the ground. Trainers worked on his leg for several minutes, placing his leg into a boot.

When Freeland was lifted onto the back of the golf cart, teammates gathered around to encourage him.

“Injuries, we all know it’s part of the game and part of the journey,” Steichen said. “Everyone, at some point, if they play enough in this league is going to have an injury. It’s the way you attack your rehab and go through it and know there’s a plan for your life in this game.”

Freeland’s injury only complicates matters along an offensive line that struggled against Green Bay’s pass rushers during Thursday’s joint practice.

The three-year veteran from Brigham Young was expected to back up Braden Smith and possibly serve as Indy’s swing tackle. But on a day Steichen wanted to let his starters play with the two quarterbacks battling to start their Sept. 7 opener against Miami, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, Smith also left early.

He was ruled out of the game in the second quarter with an injured groin.

A short time later, Freeland also went down. That could mean rookie Jalen Travis will start next Saturday’s preseason finale at Cincinnati.

“He got quite a bit of time out there today and I’m really pleased with him,” Steichen said. “He’s a big body tackle, a smart football player. He’s got great power, great hands at the line of scrimmage so really pleased with his progression and where he’s at.”

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