Colts practice sans Ashton Dulin and Arden Key again, with both listed hamstrings

The Indianapolis Colts practiced without two key pieces on Thursday, wide receiver Ashton Dulin and defensive end Arden Key, both listed as out because of hamstring injuries. Their absence means the team is still managing those issues close to game week, and it leaves their availability for Sunday in question.

Dulin’s status matters for a Colts passing game that needs reliable route execution and depth in the receiver group. When a wideout is held out of full team work, it can affect timing in the passing game, especially for routes that depend on consistent timing from snap to snap. Thursday’s practice indicated Indianapolis was not prepared to ramp Dulin into that work yet.

On the defensive side, Key’s hamstring absence is particularly relevant because a defensive end is often central to gap control and edge pressure. Without him participating in practice, the Colts had to distribute his snaps and responsibilities among remaining defensive linemen, which can change rotation patterns and affect how the front is asked to play the run and get after the quarterback.

Hamstrings are notoriously difficult to manage through quick turnarounds, and teams commonly treat them with caution. Thursday’s report that both Dulin and Key were not present at practice does not, by itself, confirm severity beyond a hamstring designation, but it does reinforce that Indianapolis is still in the process of determining how much functional workload these players can handle.

From a roster-management standpoint, having two starters or near-starters miss practice at the same time forces additional reps for backups and practice-squad players. Those extra repetitions can be useful for the organization, but they also highlight a potential risk area if either player is unable to return, particularly in the continuity of both the passing game and the defensive front rotation.

For Colts fans, the most immediate takeaway is simple: practice participation will likely remain the primary barometer between now and Sunday. If either Dulin or Key is able to return for later practice sessions, that would be a meaningful development. If they remain limited or out, the team’s game plan for both the passing and defensive rush looks more likely to shift further.

The Colts will need to balance preparation with caution, especially with hamstring issues that can linger or flare when players increase workload. With Dulin and Key each listed as out of Thursday practice, Indianapolis enters the weekend with uncertainty around two influential roles, and the next practice report could determine how those roles are configured for the regular-season matchup ahead.