Arden Key Will Miss Colts Game Against Pittsburgh
The Indianapolis defensive end is sidelined for approximately one month due to a hamstring injury.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football
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The Indianapolis Colts will be without starting defensive end Arden Key for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Key is expected to miss approximately one month of play following a hamstring injury sustained in Week 4.
Why it matters
Key provides critical pressure on the defensive line, and his absence forces the Colts to adjust their rotation strategy to maintain production. The injury creates a significant void that the team must fill to remain competitive during his absence.
Key recorded 8 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, and a half sack while maintaining a 70 percent snap share in the first three weeks. Backup J.T. Tuimoloau increased his usage to 53.1 percent of snaps in Week 4, totaling 7 tackles.
The players
Arden Key
He is a starting defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts who entered the NFL in 2018.
J.T. Tuimoloau
He is a defensive player for the Indianapolis Colts expected to see increased playing time in the absence of Key.
Caden Curry
He is a defensive player for the Indianapolis Colts listed on the depth chart to potentially replace the injured starter.
The details
Arden Key exited the game during Week 4 after playing only 40 percent of defensive snaps due to his injury. The Colts depth chart identifies J.T. Tuimoloau and Caden Curry as the primary personnel options to replace Key in the defensive rotation.
Timeline
Arden Key was drafted into the NFL in 2018.
Key sustained his injury during Week 4.
The Colts will play the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming Sunday.
Season Trajectory
This roster move forces a shift in the defensive rotation that could impact the Colts ability to sustain pressure throughout the season. The team must now validate its depth as it attempts to maintain its defensive standing without its primary starter for the next month.
J.T. Tuimoloau will likely see a significant increase in snap count, which previously rose to 53.1 percent in Week 4. Fantasy managers and fans should adjust expectations for the Colts defensive output as the team integrates these personnel adjustments.
The takeaway
Maintaining defensive pressure with a depleted roster is a recurring challenge for NFL teams during a long season. Coaches must rely on their depth players to step into larger roles immediately to mitigate the impact of starter injuries.
Further reading
For more on the current roster status, visit the Football section.
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Does the loss of a key defensive starter significantly lower your confidence in a team's performance?
