Jelani Woods Injury News & Updates

Woods (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against Cleveland.

Woods was a healthy scratch for the Jets' first seven games of the regular season before making his 2025 debut against the Bengals in Week 8. He's a healthy scratch for Week 10, as the Jets go with three active tight ends in Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt.

Woods (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.

Woods was claimed off waivers by the Jets in late August after failing to make the Colts' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. However, he will be in street clothes as a healthy inactive for a second consecutive week, and his next opportunity to make his Jets debut is Week 3 against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 21. Mason Taylor was able to shake off an ankle injury to be cleared to play and will serve as the Jets' starting tight end while Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt serve as the backups.

Woods (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.

Woods was claimed off waivers by the Jets in late August after failing to make the Colts' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. The 2022 third-rounder will have to wait to make his Jets debut as the team goes with three active tight ends in Stone Smartt, Jeremy Ruckert and rookie second-rounder Mason Taylor. Woods' next chance to play is Week 2 against the Bills on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Woods was claimed off waivers by the Jets on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Woods spent the past two seasons on injured reserve due to hamstring and toe injuries after posting 312 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a promising 2022 rookie season for the Colts. Indianapolis invested significant draft capital into the tight end position during Woods' absence, leading to him being waived Tuesday, but he lands on his feet Wednesday, joining an underwhelming Jets depth chart topped by rookie second-round pick Mason Taylor. If the 6-foot-7 Woods rediscovers his own rookie form, he could surpass backups Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt before long.

The Colts are cutting Woods, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Woods, a 2022 third-round pick, put up a 25-312-3 receiving line as a rookie but then missed the past two seasons due to a severe hamstring injury and turf toe. The Colts moved on in the meantime, drafting Tyler Warren in the first round this spring.

Woods had two receptions for 23 yards on three targets in Thursday's preseason loss at Baltimore.

Woods was once viewed as a possible impact player in the passing game, but has missed back-to-back full seasons due to injuries (hamstring issues in 2023 and turf toe in 2024). The 2022 third-round pick isn't likely to have much of a role this season even if he makes the final roster with the team's selection of rookie first-rounder Tyler Warren. However, Woods could find his way to relevance on another roster with a good preseason showing.

Woods (toe) participated in Wednesday's practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods missed each of the Colts' last two seasons due to toe and hamstring injuries, but his participation in Wednesday's practice suggests he's past those issues. In his rookie campaign in 2022, the Virginia product caught 25 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns over 15 games. Now back on the field, Woods is expected to compete for a reserve role in Indianapolis' tight-end room.

The Colts are in line to place Woods (toe) on season-ending IR, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods, who missed all of last year due to repeated hamstring injuries, is now on track to be sidelined for a second straight season due to a turf toe injury that required surgery. In his absence, the Colts will move forward with a TE corps led by Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory.

Woods reportedly underwent a procedure Friday to address a turf toe injury that's expected to sideline him about four months, according to Jordan Schultz of BleacherReport.com and James Boyd of The Athletic.

If the initial estimate for his return is accurate, the tight end could return in time for the stretch run of the coming season. For any length of time that Woods is sidelined, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory are slated to handle the Colts' TE duties.

Coach Shane Steichen noted Tuesday that Woods (toe) will miss some time, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

"I don't have a timetable on it," Steichen said with regard to how long the tight end will be sidelined. According to Holder, however, it appears as though Woods' absence is on track to extend into the regular season, and will thus have an impact on the Colts' roster decisions ahead of cut-downs. While Woods is unavailable, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory remain available to handle the team's TE duties.

Woods' toe injury isn't expected to be serious, and he could play in the Colts' final preseason contest against Cincinnati on Thursday, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Woods didn't return to Saturday's preseason game against Arizona after injuring his toe in the first half, but he may be out of the woods in terms of a long-term absence. If he suits up Thursday for Indianapolis' final exhibition matchup, it could be his chance to make a case for a roster spot as the team's No. 3 tight end over Drew Ogletree.

Woods suffered a toe injury in Saturday's exhibition contest against the Cardinals and has been ruled out from returning, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Woods started the contest at tight end for the Colts but didn't get much of an opportunity to play due to the injury. It's a tough break for the tight end, as he missed all of 2023 due to injuries to both hamstrings. He's been competing with Drew Ogletree and others for a depth role behind Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, but Woods' chance of making the 53-man roster would be harmed if the toe issue proves to be more than minor.

Woods had one reception for 17 yards on two targets in Sunday's preseason loss to Denver.

Woods saw his first game action since the 2022 season after missing the 2023 season due to injuries to both hamstrings. He's the most athletic of the Colts' tight ends and has the upside to emerge with a significant role in the passing game, but has been relatively quiet in training camp. It was good to see him make at least one big play as a result. However, it's not clear if the Colts will focus on one receiving tight end or split targets among a large group again.

Woods is listed as the third or fourth tight end on Indianapolis' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.

The good news is that Woods is healthy after injuries to both hamstrings cost him the entire 2023 season. The bad news is that he begins camp down on the depth chart and hasn't made a lot of noise in practice. He's the most athletic of a deep tight end corps and has upside to emerge with a significant role in the passing game. However, the Colts could continue to split targets between multiple tight ends like last season.

Woods (hamstring) is participating in Wednesday's OTAs session, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods looks back to full health after injuries to both hamstrings cost him the entire 2023 season. The 2022 third-round pick showed some promise as a rookie, so if he can put together a solid offseason and build up chemistry with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, Woods could be a solid post-hype sleeper to target late in 2024 fantasy drafts, especially in dynasty formats or leagues that feature tight end premium scoring.

Woods (hamstring) looks healthy in a recent workout video he posted, according to James Boyd of The Athletic.

The 2022 third-round pick had a promising rookie season with 25 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 40 targets while splitting TE snaps with Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. There was some thought Woods would take on a larger role in second pro season, but then he injured his left hamstring in training camp and didn't get it right until the middle of the season, at which point his right hamstring started to bother him and kept him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Woods is one of the tallest tight ends in the league (6-7) and ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at 259 pounds at the 2022 NFL Combine.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday that he's not expecting Woods (hamstring) to return from injured reserve this season, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

As a rookie last season, Woods was part of the Colts' three-headed committee at tight end, finishing the campaign with 25 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 40 targets in 15 games. He was expected to stake a claim to a larger share of the snaps at tight end in his second season, but he's struggled to move past a hamstring injury that first cropped up during OTAs in the spring. He's suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery in the ensuing months and now looks set to have his sophomore season wiped out entirely. The Colts have continued to take a committee approach to tight end throughout the 2023 season, with none of Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory or Mo Alie-Cox having cleared a 65 percent snap share in any game.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Monday that Woods (hamstring) recently had a setback in his rehab process, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods has been on injured reserve all season with the hamstring injury, and though Steichen said that the tight end had been progressing well in recent weeks, the coach reversed course Monday. According to Steichen, Woods' other hamstring is now proving to be more problematic, and the Colts haven't ruled out the possibility of the 25-year-old being shut down for the season. Before suffering the hamstring injury, Woods had been a candidate to serve as the Colts' lead pass catcher at tight end in 2023, as he had turned in a 25-312-3 receiving line on 40 targets over 15 games as a rookie a season earlier.

Coach Shane Steichen relayed Wednesday that Woods (hamstring) is "getting closer" to a return to practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods was placed on IR in advance of the regular season, but it appears as though the 2022 third-rounder is inching toward a potential return to action. Assuming Woods is activated off IR in the coming weeks, he'd re-enter a crowed Colts tight end corps that also includes Kylen Granson (concussion), Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox and Will Mallory.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Monday that Woods (hamstring) will remain on injured reserve this week, implying that the tight end won't be activated ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

After missing the requisite four games following his placement on IR on Aug. 30, Woods is first eligible to make his season debut this weekend. While it's unclear where exactly Woods stands in his recovery from the hamstring injury, Steichen's comments suggests that the 24-year-old isn't quite ready to practice. Whenever Woods gets the green light to practice, the Colts would then have a 21-day window to evaluate him for a return to the 53-man roster. While Woods remains on IR, the Colts will continue to lean on a three-man committee of Kylen Granson, Andrew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox at tight end.

The Colts placed Woods on IR on Wednesday.

With the move, Woods will miss at least four games as he recovers from a hamstring injury. In his absence, Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Andrew Ogletree and Will Mallory are slated to handle the team's TE duties out of the gate this season.

Woods aggravated his hamstring injury recently and may soon be placed on injured reserve, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The hamstring has bothered Woods since spring and kept him off the field for the entire preseason. His likely absence for the first few games of the regular season leaves the Colts with a TE committee comprised of Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox, Andrew Ogletree and Will Mallory -- at least three of those guys figure to take snaps on offense Week 1 against Jacksonville.

Woods (hamstring) didn't play in Thursday's 27-13 preseason win over Philadelphia.

Dealing with a hamstring injury since the offseason program, Woods has officially missed all of training camp and the preseason. Kylen Granson, Andrew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox took snaps with the first-team offense Thursday night -- an arrangement that could continue Week 1 against the Jaguars with Woods looking shaky to play and unlikely to get a ton of snaps even if he does.

Woods (hamstring) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Woods missed OTAs due to a hamstring injury, and while he said heading into training camp that he anticipated being a full participant, it continues to be an issue. His status for the start of the regular season may be at risk as a result.

Woods (hamstring) didn't participate in team drills Monday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods missed OTAs due to a hamstring injury, and while he said heading into training camp that he anticipated being a full participant, it looks like the tight end is still bothered by the injury. He was dressed for practice, which suggests Woods' return may not be far off, but the Colts' third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is missing out on valuable reps as Indianapolis begins sorting out a tight end depth chart that also includes Kylen Granson, Pharaoh Brown and rookie Will Mallory (foot). Woods still has some time to get healthy before the Colts begin preseason play Aug. 12 against the Bills.

Woods (hamstring) said Tuesday that he'll be full go for training camp, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods missed OTAs and veteran minicamp with a hamstring injury but will be back in action for the start of training camp. The 2022 third-round pick caught 25 of 40 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in limited action, but the 6-foot-7 pass catcher has a chance to carve out an even bigger role in Year 2. The Colts signed blocking specialist Pharaoh Brown and drafted Will Mallory in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, but those two likely pose more of a threat to steal snaps from Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson, leaving Woods as the top tight end.

Woods is dealing with a hamstring injury, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Gardner Minshew and Anthony Richardson are without some of their pass catchers Thursday for 7-on-7s, as Woods and WR Josh Downs (knee) are injured while WR Michael Pittman is absent for the birth of his child. A 2022 third-round pick, Woods did well with his limited chances in a timeshare last season and could take over more snaps from Mo Alie-Cox and/or Kylen Granson in 2013. The Colts did add blocking specialist Pharaoh Brown and fifth-round pick Will Mallory, but they probably pose more of a threat to Alie-Cox and Granson, respectively.

Woods had one reception for nine yards on four targets in Sunday's loss to Houston.

After starting at tight end in Week 16 and 17 with Kylen Granson out, Mo-Alie Cox got the start in Week 18 but Woods had more targets and ran more routs (23 to 17). Woods showed promise in his rookie season with 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns. After posting eight receptions for 98 yards in Week 12, it looked like he may take over the top tight end role in the passing game. However, he had just 10 receptions for 135 yards over the final five games. His late season disappointment was in part due to shaky quarterback play but also due to the Colts continuing to divide up tight end targets. Woods showed enough of a spark perhaps the team can make him more of a focus in 2023.

Woods is expected to draw a third consecutive start Sunday against the Texans with Kylen Granson (ankle) ruled out for the season finale.

Woods technically started in Week 16 and Week 17 losses to the Chargers and Giants, respectively, but he narrowly outpaced fellow tight end Mo Alie-Cox in playing time. Woods logged snap shares of 64 and 61 percent in those two contests, while Alie-Cox registered 44 and 54 percent shares. However, Woods was the more productive receiver of the two; he recorded six catches for 62 yards on nine targets during that span, while Alie-Cox was targeted just three times.

Woods had three receptions for 19 yards on four targets in Sunday's loss at the Giants.

Mo Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, but Woods played more snaps (35 to 31) and went out on more routes (15 to 10). Woods has become the leading pass target among the tight ends with Kylen Granson (ankle) sidelined. However, Indy's anemic pass offense won't result in many targets even with a good matchup in the season finale against Houston.

Woods recorded three receptions on five targets for 43 yards in Monday's 20-3 loss to the Chargers.

Woods saw increased opportunity with Kylen Granson (ankle) sidelined. While the Colts' offense was stalled for much of the game, Woods delivered catches of 17 and 15 yards early in the first quarter to account for the majority of his production and some of the team's better plays. He's been buried on the depth chart for long stretches of his rookie season, though Woods has multiple receptions in three of his last four contests.

Woods caught his only target for 36 yards in Saturday's 39-36 overtime loss to the Vikings.

Woods actually finished second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only Michael Pittman, who needed 14 targets to accrue 60 yards. The rookie tight end has flashed some promise, but Woods' short-term value is capped as he shares playing time with Kylen Granson in a low-octane Colts passing attack helmed by a washed-up Matt Ryan.

Woods had two receptions for 28 yards on four targets in Sunday's loss at Dallas.

A week after posting eight catches for 98 yards on nine targets, Woods was an afterthought in the offense until late in the fourth quarter. Kylen Granson returned from an illness and started at tight end. Granson played the most snaps on offense (41) of the tight ends compared to Mo Alie-Cox (31) and Woods (15), though Woods ran the second-most routes. Perhaps Woods will get more of a role after the bye given his upside, but the Colts have split targets three ways all season between the tight ends amid a passing attack that has struggled.

Woods (shoulder/quad) is listed as active for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys.

Woods, who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, logged a full session Friday before being deemed questionable for the contest. The 2022 third-rounder, who is coming off a breakout effort in Week 12 in which he caught eight of his nine targets for 98 yards in a 24-17 loss to the Steelers, will give it a go versus Dallas, but the return to action of fellow tight end Kylen Granson (who was inactive versus Pittsburgh due to an illness) means that Woods will have to share snaps with both Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, a context that could cut into the rookie's volume Sunday night.

Woods (shoulder/quad) will be listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys.

Woods, who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, was back on the field Friday, per Zak Keefer of The Athletic, but the tight end's status is unclear as Sunday night's 8:20 ET kickoff approaches. Woods is coming off a Week 12 effort in which he caught eight of his nine targets for 98 yards in Monday's 24-17 loss to the Steelers, but that season-high output coincided with fellow tight end Kylen Granson (who has practiced fully this week) being sidelined by an illness. Given Granson's looming availability and the timing of the Colts' kickoff, Woods currently profiles as a speculative fantasy lineup option in Week 13.

Woods (shoulder/quad) is slated to practice Friday, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports.

Woods didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but his looming practice participation Friday suggests that the tight end could play Sunday night against the Cowboys. With Kylen Granson inactive in Week 12 due to an illness, Woods logged 41 snaps against the Steelers, while catching eight passes on nine targets for a team-high 98 yards.

Woods (shoulder/quad) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods logged a 'DNP' in Wednesday's walk-through, so the tight ends absence from Thursday's session clouds his availability for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys. On the plus side from the Colts' perspective is that Kylen Granson (who was inactive in Week 12 due to an illness) was listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

Woods (shoulder/quad) is listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report.

The report is an estimation, as the Colts merely held a walkthrough two days after losing to the Steelers on Monday Night Football. Woods was the star of the night for Indianapolis with eight catches for 98 yards on nine targets, though he apparently added a quad injury to the shoulder issue that caused him to miss the previous game. His big outing Monday came with fellow tight end Kylen Granson sidelined by an illness, and it's possible Woods sees his role diminished now that he's the least healthy of Indy's TE trio (Mo Alie-Cox being the third). On the other hand, Granson hasn't done a whole lot while getting most of the TE snaps in obvious passing situations this year, and Woods is a third-round rookie with 4.61 speed who just threatened 100 yards. He'll need to prove his health, of course, before he can attempt to build on the breakout performance Sunday night in Dallas.

Woods caught eight of nine targets for 98 yards in Monday's 24-17 loss to the Steelers.

Woods came in with just seven catches for 79 yards in his career, but he surpassed both totals in this game alone. The rookie tight end used his 6-foot-7, 265-pound frame to carve out space en route to team-high totals in catches and receiving yards. He also drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone in the third quarter. Woods will look to build on this breakout performance in Week 13 against the Cowboys.

Woods (shoulder) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's walk-through.

Woods, who last saw game action in Week 9, is trending toward a return to action Monday night against the Steelers, but as long as both Kylen Granson (illness) and Mo Alie-Cox are both available, the 2022 third-rounder is a speculative fantasy lineup option. In nine games thus far this season, Woods has compiled a 7/79/3 receiving line.

Woods (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's game against the Eagles, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Woods is usually part of a three-man rotation at tight end with Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, so the rookie's absence could free up a few additional opportunities for his teammates. He'll look to heal up in time to face the Steelers on MNF in Week 12.

Woods (shoulder) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Considering Woods opened Week 11 prep Wednesday as a limited participant Wednesday, his lack of activity Thursday represents a step backward. It's unclear if Woods was held out due to a setback or his absence was part of a pre-planned maintenance plan as he attempts to return from the shoulder injury that sidelined him for the Colts' Week 10 win over the Raiders. The extent of his participation at Friday's practice will ultimately determine Woods' odds of suiting up this Sunday against the Eagles. Even if he's cleared to play, Woods will likely be part of a three-man committee at tight end with Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson that would make it difficult to depend on him as an option in fantasy lineups.

Woods (shoulder) was a didn't practice in practice Wednesday.

Woods is back at practice after missing last week's win over the Raiders. His absence freed up a bit more playing time for Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, with the latter taking advantage by catching each of his four targets for 57 yards. None of the bunch is likely to see more than three or four targets in any given game, even if one of the group is unavailable. It's unclear at this point if Woods will be ready for Sunday's matchup with Philadelphia.

Woods (shoulder) is listed as out for Sunday's game at the Raiders, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Woods was held out of practice this week with a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 9 at New England, and he'll now be forced to miss his first game of the season as he recovers. In the rookie's absence, Kylen Granson should see an uptick in targets in Week 10.

Woods (shoulder) did not participate at practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game at Las Vegas, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Woods was forced out of Indianapolis' loss at New England in Week 9 with a shoulder injury, and it now appears he's in jeopardy of missing his first game of the season with that injury. If the rookie were to miss time, sophomore fourth-rounder Kylen Granson would probably be in line for increased reps.

Woods (shoulder) is James Boyd of The Athletic to return to Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Woods caught one two-yard pass before injuring one of his shoulders in the second half, though the exact nature and severity of this issue are unclear. The rookie tight end's return is unlikely with the Colts already down 26-3 late in the fourth quarter.

Woods did not have a catch or target in Sunday's loss to Washington.

While Alie-Cox got the start at tight end, Kylen Granson had the most snaps on offense (32, compared to 29 for Alie-Cox and 15 for Woods) and all three went out on about the same number of routes (12, compared 13 for Alie-Cox and 10 for Woods). There were not any major changers in tight end usage, despite the change to Sam Ehlinger at quarterback. Woods remains third in the pecking order for playing time and has fantasy value only for the rare end-zone target.

Woods had one reception for four yards on two targets in Sunday's loss at Tennessee.

Woods had about equal playing time to the other two tight ends, but none of the trio did much (14 snaps, compared to 15 for Mo Alie-Cox and 18 for Mo Alie-Cox). None of the three tight ends were a factor Sunday with a combined two receptions and three targets, though perhaps they could get more involved with Sam Ehlinger taking over as the starting quarterback.

Woods had two receptions for 27 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown, on three targets in Sunday's win over Jacksonville.

Woods had season highs in targets and snap percentage (38%) on offense while catching his third touchdown of the season. He played 31 snaps and went out on 24 routes, compared to Kylen Granson (31 snaps, 25 routes) and Mo Alie-Cox (28 snaps and 13 routes). While the three tight ends are splitting playing time, he and Granson appear to be trending upward while Alie-Cox didn't have a target.

Woods did not have a reception and had just one target in Thursday's win over Denver.

Woods had two touchdown receptions in a Week 3 win over Kansas City, but he's had one target each of the last two games. He played on 29% of the offense's snaps Thursday and and ran 14 routes (compared to 23 for Kylen Granson and 21 for Mo Alie-Cox), so at least he hasn't totally disappeared from the passing game.

Woods had one reception for 33 yards on his only target in Sunday's loss to Tennessee.

Catching two touchdowns the week before didn't elevate Woods' role in the passing game as he was third among tight ends in snaps and routes run and Mo Alie-Cox caught two touchdowns. However, Woods played 15 snaps on offense and went out on 11 routes (after 16 snaps and 12 routes in Week 3) which bodes well for an increasing role.

Woods brought in two of three targets for 13 yards and two touchdowns in the Colts' 20-17 win over the Chiefs on Sunday.

The rookie was the surprise target on both of Matt Ryan's touchdown tosses, recording one- and 12-yard grabs in the first and fourth quarters, respectively. Woods had yet to see a target prior to Sunday, so despite the surprising fantasy performance Sunday, it's difficult to project what his role might be in Week 4 home divisional clash against the Titans.

Woods played on eight of the offense's 92 snaps and was not targeted in the passing game in Sunday's tie at Houston.

Woods had a small role on offense as he was clearly behind Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. The 2022 third-round draft pick will be a development project this season.

Woods performed as one of the Colts' top three pass catchers during practice sessions Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports

Woods also caught two passes for 22 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason opener after he reportedly struggled during the early phases of training camp, per Zak Keefer of The Athletic. However, the rookie third-round pick could be poised to emerge into a larger receiving role this season after fellow tight end Andrew Ogletree suffered a season-ending torn ACL during Indianapolis' joint practice with the Lions on Wednesday. Woods' size (6-foot-7, 253 pounds) and athleticism (4.59-second 40-yard dash) should make him an intriguing pass-catching threat for the Colts, though he's still currently set to operate in a reserve role behind two more experienced tight ends in Mo Allie-Cox and Kylen Granson.

Woods had two receptions for 22 yards on two targets, including an 11-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason loss to Buffalo.

Woods had reportedly struggled in training camp and many observers saw him falling behind fellow rookie Drew Ogletree to No. 4 on the tight end depth chart, so this was a nice bounce back performance. Woods performed well with the second-team unit and showed his 6-7 size can make him a red zone threat. The third-round draft pick will likely have a small role in the offense to begin the season as he continues to develop.

Woods has "looked lost at times" during training camp and is "probably coming a long a little slower" than the Colts expected, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports.

Keefer also notes that 2021 fourth-round pick Kylen Granson has struggled, leaving Mo Alie-Cox as Indy's only reliable tight end. Alie-Cox is one of the biggest TEs in the league and has already proven himself as a blocker and red-zone target, but he may not have the agility or route-running skills the team desires for obvious passing situations. Even so, Alie-Cox remains the best redraft bet of the bunch, and he may default into a three-down role if the team's young tight ends don't shape up. Woods is a rookie third-round pick who has Cox beat in terms of height (6-7 vs. 6-5) and speed (4.59 40 vs. 4.75), while the veteran has the benefit of experience and a much sturdier build (listed at 267 pounds, compared to Woods at 253).

The Colts selected Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 73rd overall.

Woods becomes the second tight end off the board in this class. His size jumps off the page at 6-foot-7 and 259 pounds with 34.5-inch arms but he can move, too. Woods ran an impressive 4.61 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and the film showed good movement skills for a player his size. He blossomed in the Virginia offense in 2021 after transferring over from Oklahoma State, catching 44 of 70 targets for 598 yards and eight touchdowns. Indianapolis invested a pick at tight end last year in Kylen Granson, though, so this is an interesting landing spot. With Jack Doyle's retirement, there's a path to Woods finding a role eventually, but Mo Alie-Cox and Granson project to be higher on the depth chart this season.