If the Indianapolis Colts can have their way, they would love to have tight end Tyler Warren back for their 2026 season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are optimistic about the former Penn State standout, who finished his rookie season with 76 receptions, 817 yards, and four touchdowns.
But after suffering an injury during the offseason, will he be available for Week 1? Or will there be a delay to his debut in Year 2?
Tyler Warren Ready to Play in Week 1
NBC Sports’ Denny Carter reported that Warren participated during the Colts’ practice on Tuesday, September 1. With the Colts’ home opener against Baltimore just two weeks away, his presence is a positive step toward Warren’s availability.
The Colts expect a breakout sophomore season for Warren as an offensive weapon, especially after trading wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, those hopes took a hit when Warren sustained an injury during the Colts’ August 19 joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons.
While Warren’s injury initially looked serious, NFL insiders like Jordan Schultz reported that the Colts tight end won’t miss much time after suffering an abductor strain.
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Injury analyst Jeff Mueller also projected that, in milder cases, a player would need an average of 2-3 weeks to recover fully.
Confirmed groin strain for Tyler Warren. On average, 2-3 weeks to RTP if on the mild side. If more significant, could extend to missing regular season games but hopefully that’s not the case here. 3.5 weeks until Week 1 so that’s good at least. https://t.co/kkk84p1xz5
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 19, 2026
Warren’s presence during practice yesterday suggests he’s recovering well. If he doesn’t get hurt again, he should be ready to play against the Ravens.
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Warren is expected to line up from the first snap as the Colts’ premier tight end over Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory. Likewise, Warren could be the team’s best option in the red zone.
Colts Gearing Up Warren to Become a Primary Passing Target
Though the Colts added Keenan Allen to their receiving corps, they are expected to elevate Warren’s usage on offense. Warren earned a 21.2% target share as a rookie, according to Pro Football Network’s Kyle Soppe. With Pittman gone and Alec Pierce’s injury concerns putting his availability in question, Warren could see that number go up.
The increase in his workload and his improved chemistry with starting quarterback Daniel Jones could lead to better numbers for Warren. If that happens, he could finish the season at a higher spot than his 13th place (77.5) in the PFN Tight End Impact Rankings from 2025.
His increased production is also encouraging news for fantasy football enthusiasts who have him on their team or are pondering drafting him. PFN Fantasy Football analyst Jason Katz has Warren fourth in his Tight End Fantasy Rankings, behind Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and Colston Loveland.
