Colts release Jelani Woods as Tyler Warren enters the fold at tight end
Indianapolis has parted ways with tight end Jelani Woods, the 2022 third-round pick who flashed as a rookie before two injury-plagued seasons kept him off the field. Woods posted 25 receptions for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns as a rookie, but severe hamstring injuries and turf toe sidelined him, limiting his opportunities to contribute.
The move comes as the Colts push forward with a reshaped tight end room, following the drafting of Tyler Warren in the first round this spring. With Woods no longer on the roster, Warren and the rest of the group will be tasked with providing both receiving upside and blocking presence.
Woods now becomes a free agent, free to pursue opportunities with other teams that might value his athleticism and upside when healthy. For the Colts, the decision clears a roster spot and signals a continued emphasis on building a TE group around Warren and other contributors.
What this means going forward: a new opportunity awaits Woods with a fresh team that can maximize his skill set when he’s healthy, while Indianapolis looks to maximize production at tight end with Warren and the rest of the depth chart.