52 Ben Banogu DE

Banogu had a tackle and played seven snaps on defense in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville.

Banogu was seen as a contender for a starting role at defensive end with Kemoko Turay still out with an anklle injury, but he had a limited reserve role Sunday.

Banogu (ankle) returned to practice Friday, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

There was major concern after Banogu was carted off the field Monday with an ankle injury, but he spent only a few days on the sidelines before getting back in action. The 2019 second-round pick is poised to see an increase from the 17.1 snaps he averaged per game in 2019, and he could take a starting job from Al-Quadin Muhammad with a solid finish to training camp.

Banogu was carted off the practice field Monday after he rolled his ankle, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Although it's usually a negative sign when the cart is needed, early indications are that the injury is not expected to be long term. Banogu is expected to undergo further testing in the coming days before a specific diagnosis is provided. The 2019 second-round pick supplied 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season, and he's expected to continue in a depth role during the 2020 season once healthy.

Banogu posted 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks over 16 games in 2019.

The rookie second-round pick toiled in a reserve role, averaging 17.1 defensive snaps per game, but he made a pass-rushing impact with eight quarterback pressures. His role in 2020 depends on whether the Colts re-sign Jabaal Sheard, but if they don't, he'll compete with Al-Quadin Muhammad for a starting gig at defensive end.

Banogu had a sack, a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in Sunday's win over Denver.

Banogu made an impact on defense with several disruptive plays. He played on 36 of the defense's 73 snaps. His continued improvement would help the Colts over come the loss of Kemoko Turay to an ankle injury.

Banogu had a tackle, 0.5 sacks and two QB hits in Sunday's loss at the Chargers.

Banogu wasn't a starter but played on 27 of the defense's 63 snaps as he'll be a steady part of the defensive line rotation. He also looked fully healthy after dealing with a hamstring issue during the preseason.

Banogu (hamstring) played 25 defensive snaps and two special teams snaps during Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.

Even though Banogu didn't record a fantasy-relevant stat, it's still a positive sign he played, given he'd been dealing with a hamstring issue for much of training camp. Now that he's healthy, expect the 2019 second-round pick to solidify himself as a depth option on the defensive line for the upcoming season.

Banogu (hamstring) returned to practice Saturday morning, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Good news for Banogu, who is battling with Al-Quadin Muhammad for a starting gig while Jabaal Sheard is out after knee surgery. The Colts figure to take it easy with their second-round pick, however.

Banogu is dealing with a hamstring injury, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

It's unclear when Banogu sustained the injury or how much longer it'll keep him sidelined. The Colts wanted to start the rookie at defensive end for training camp.

Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said the Colts will deploy Banogu at defensive end ahead of his first training camp, but the rookie's role could eventually expand to include time at linebacker, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.

Versatility was one of the main selling points in the pre-draft process for Banogu, a second-round pick. Whether Banogu used at defensive end or outside linebacker, the Colts will look to take advantage of his speed and explosiveness as an edge rusher.

Banogu worked with the defensive line Tuesday during OTAs, but will alternate between end and linebacker in future sessions, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Banogu, a second-round pick in April, is expected to play linebacker in the team's base defense and rush from the end in sub-packages. He warrants monitoring in IDP leagues thanks to the pass-rushing upside he might offer thanks to his 4.62-second 40-yard dash time, 40-inch vertical and 134-inch broad jump.

The Colts selected Banogu in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 49th overall.

Banogu is a slightly different but almost certainly better prospect than former TCU teammate and first-round pick L.J. Collier. Banogu is a DE/OLB tweener at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, but Indianapolis' Tampa-2 approach on defense welcomes numerous unconventional applications on the defensive line, and Banogu's frame is definitely big enough for wide-nine splits at defensive end. He was highly productive as a freshman (five sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss) at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to TCU, where Banogu had zero trouble with the jump in competition. If he earns DE eligibility in fantasy leagues, then Banogu warrants monitoring in IDP leagues thanks to the pass-rushing upside he might pose with his 4.62-second 40, 40-inch vertical, and 134-inch broad jump.