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Indianapolis Colts CB Justin Walley talked about his recovery from the ACL injury that ended his rookie season before it began. (video via Jake Arthur/ColtsRoundtable)
Cornerback Justin Walley was the talk of the Indianapolis Colts last summer. Many conversations with coaches, front office members, and teammates turned to the third-round rookie and how quickly he was picking up the defense and making plays in practice.
Fans and the media finally got their eyes on Walley when training camp began, and the rookie appeared in line to start at outside cornerback.
The Colts traveled out to Maryland for a joint practice and preseason matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in early August. Shortly after making a big-time play, Walley would leave the field with what was found to be a torn ACL, ending his promising season before it could really begin.
Walley is now fully recovered and in line to start again at a new spot, taking over for slot cornerback Kenny Moore II, who was recently released.
READ MORE: Colts' Breakout Players to Keep An Eye On
With the hype that built for him last year, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has dubbed Walley as the Colts' most important second-year player.
"The third-rounder impressed in camp last summer before tearing his ACL prior to the season, but he's back on the practice field and inspiring confidence already," Gagnon wrote. "That's huge, because it looks as though Walley will be tasked with filling veteran Kenny Moore's shoes in the nickel role in 2026."
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was one of the most outspoken supporters of Walley last year, and he's impressed with the young defender's bounce-back from injury.
"I'll throw Walley in that mix too, where he's just coming off the injury, and I haven't seen much of a drop off from where – he's really picked up from where he left off," Anarumo recently said.
READ MORE: Colts Urged to Remain Persistent in Trading Quarterback
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has also noticed Walley standing out once again as he did before the ACL injury.
"He's flying around, he's making plays," Steichen said. "Obviously, going into Year Two, had the year off, but still in meetings last year and locked in and loaded and learning the defense, but obviously when the pads come on, it'll be a little different, but he's done some really good things so far."
Besides Walley, other notable second-year Colts players are tight end Tyler Warren (first round), defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (second round), offensive tackle Jalen Travis (fourth round), running back DJ Giddens (fifth round), quarterback Riley Leonard (sixth round), safety Hunter Wohler (seventh round), and cornerback Johnathan Edwards (UDFA).
Continue reading...
Cornerback Justin Walley was the talk of the Indianapolis Colts last summer. Many conversations with coaches, front office members, and teammates turned to the third-round rookie and how quickly he was picking up the defense and making plays in practice.
Fans and the media finally got their eyes on Walley when training camp began, and the rookie appeared in line to start at outside cornerback.
The Colts traveled out to Maryland for a joint practice and preseason matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in early August. Shortly after making a big-time play, Walley would leave the field with what was found to be a torn ACL, ending his promising season before it could really begin.
Walley is now fully recovered and in line to start again at a new spot, taking over for slot cornerback Kenny Moore II, who was recently released.
READ MORE: Colts' Breakout Players to Keep An Eye On
With the hype that built for him last year, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has dubbed Walley as the Colts' most important second-year player.
"The third-rounder impressed in camp last summer before tearing his ACL prior to the season, but he's back on the practice field and inspiring confidence already," Gagnon wrote. "That's huge, because it looks as though Walley will be tasked with filling veteran Kenny Moore's shoes in the nickel role in 2026."
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was one of the most outspoken supporters of Walley last year, and he's impressed with the young defender's bounce-back from injury.
"I'll throw Walley in that mix too, where he's just coming off the injury, and I haven't seen much of a drop off from where – he's really picked up from where he left off," Anarumo recently said.
READ MORE: Colts Urged to Remain Persistent in Trading Quarterback
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has also noticed Walley standing out once again as he did before the ACL injury.
"He's flying around, he's making plays," Steichen said. "Obviously, going into Year Two, had the year off, but still in meetings last year and locked in and loaded and learning the defense, but obviously when the pads come on, it'll be a little different, but he's done some really good things so far."
Besides Walley, other notable second-year Colts players are tight end Tyler Warren (first round), defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (second round), offensive tackle Jalen Travis (fourth round), running back DJ Giddens (fifth round), quarterback Riley Leonard (sixth round), safety Hunter Wohler (seventh round), and cornerback Johnathan Edwards (UDFA).
Continue reading...
