A lingering hamstring issue sidelined Jelani Woods for the entire 2023 season, and unfortunately, he’s also expected to miss this season due to a toe injury. The young Indianapolis Colts tight end can’t seem to catch a break.
Woods hasn’t played a regular-season game since his rookie year in 2022. During that season, he showed glimpses of potential, appearing in 15 games and demonstrating that he could one day become a star pass-catcher.
This year, Woods competed with Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory for the Colts’ starting tight end spot. His athleticism gave him the most upside of any player in the tight end room, but inconsistencies during the preseason made it difficult for him to climb the depth chart.
The Colts had hoped Woods would emerge as a key offensive weapon for quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is returning after missing most of his rookie season. However, with Woods’ ongoing struggles to stay healthy, it’s uncertain if he’ll ever become the player Richardson needs.
Can This Colts Pass-Catcher Still Have a Solid Career?
Jelani Woods’ Career Thus Far
Jelani Woods began his collegiate career at Oklahoma State, playing three seasons and recording 31 receptions for 361 yards and four touchdowns. He then transferred to Virginia for his final season, where he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2022 with 44 catches for 598 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Colts drafted Woods in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he saw limited action, logging just 333 offensive snaps. However, he had some standout moments, such as scoring two touchdowns in the Colts’ Week 3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and recording an eight-reception, 98-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. He finished his rookie season with 25 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
Two Missed Seasons Aren’t the End of the World
Missing a season is significant, and missing two consecutive seasons is even more challenging. However, it’s not an insurmountable obstacle.
In the NBA, Joel Embiid missed his first two seasons due to injury before returning to become an MVP and two-time scoring champion. Similarly, Klay Thompson missed two seasons after suffering ACL and Achilles injuries, only to return and average over 20 points per game in consecutive seasons, helping the Golden State Warriors win another NBA championship.
While Jelani Woods may not be a future Hall of Famer like Embiid or Thompson, their stories prove that success is possible after missing consecutive years.
Woods has immense potential as a 6-foot-7 athletic pass-catcher who can stretch the field. At just 25 years old, if he can stay healthy, Woods could still have a successful NFL career. Colts fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for his return next season.
