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Early this morning, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Eric Ebron would be going to injured reserve due to injuries to both of his ankles.
Sources: #Colts TE Eric Ebron is headed for Injured Reserve because he needs procedures on both of his ailing ankles. He finishes the season with 31 catches, 375 yards and three TDs while battling through several injuries.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2019
Ebron's 2019 season didn't live up to what we saw from the pass catching tight end in 2018, but after a recent discussion with head coach Frank Reich, his production did increase. Regardless this marks the end of a disappointing second season for the former top-10 pick.
With the Colts already thin with pass catching options, the loss of Ebron is magnified as T.Y. Hilton didn't look 100% in Thursday night's loss to the Texans and the Colts pre-season #2 and #3 receivers remain injured. Jack Doyle isn't capable of carrying the load by himself and while Zach Pascal has been a tremendous surprise, he isn't either.
This off-season should see Chris Ballard make several moves to bring in more help at receiver. Thus far his attempts to fix the position haven't been overwhelmingly successful but Ballard doesn't seem like the type to not try to improve a position that is unproductive.
We will update this story when more information becomes available.
UPDATE
It appears that the Colts will bring back veteran tight end Ross Travis to take the roster spot made available after sending Ebron to IR.
Colts are bringing back Ross Travis, per source, in the wake of Eric Ebron's reported trip to injured reserve.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) November 25, 2019
In 21 career games Travis has 10 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown. He isn’t a game changer in the passing game but you’ve got to figure there aren’t many of those guys available as free agents in late November.