58 Bobby Okereke ILB

Okereke had 10 total tackles, a pass defensed and an interception in Sunday's loss at Cleveland. He played with a club on his hand due to a broken thumb, 107.5 FM The Fan in Indianapolis reports.

Okereke had an outstanding game despite playing with a wrap/cast on his hand for a broken thumb. He was able to play on all 73 of the defense's snaps.

Okereke was a full participant for the Colts' practice session Thursday.

The 24-year-old linebacker underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this week but has been able to make a prompt return to practice, albeit with a club-like cast on his left hand. Okereke has logged three starts this season, playing at least 80 percent of the defensive snaps in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. Barring a setback, it appears he will be available Sunday for a matchup against Cleveland's top-ranked rushing attack.

Okereke will undergo surgery to address a thumb injury this week, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but the 24-year-old will go under the knife in the near future. Coach Frank Reich said Okereke hasn't been ruled out for Sunday's game at Cleveland, and he will be evaluated later in the week.

Okereke started at weak-side linebacker and had a tackle and allowed two receptions on two targets against in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville.

Okereke struggled in pass coverage and also had a missed tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. He'll need to improve to keep his starting role.

Okereke posted 65 tackles, a sack and two pass breakups over 16 games in 2019.

Okereke made eight starts in 2019 and averaged 29.9 defensive snaps per game. The rookie third-round pick had solid production despite a limited role, and he could vie for a full-time starting role in 2020.

Okereke had three tackles (two sol) a sack and a forced fumble in Sunday's 31-17 loss to Tennessee.

Okereke played only 29 defensive snaps but made the most of his opportunities to secure his first career sack. The 23-year-old has minimal IDP value as a rotational linebacker, but he still has three-plus tackles in six straight games despite the limited role.

Okereke played 61 snaps in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Falcons, finishing the game with eight tackles (six solo).

The snap total was a season-high for Okereke who played just 20 snaps the week before. Starting in place of Darius Leonard (concussion), Okereke finished second on the Colts with eight tackles, trailing only Anthony Walker (14). If Leonard can't go in Week 4, expect more of the same from Okereke when his team hosts the Raiders.

Okereke will start at middle linebacker in Sunday's contest against the Falcons, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Okereke is drawing the start in place of Darius Leonard (concussion). Through two weeks Okereke has played just 25 total defensive snaps. He'll be in line for a serious increase in workload while in the starting unit.

Okereke had one total tackle in Sunday's loss at the Chargers. He played on 15 of the defense's 63 snaps.

The 2019 third-round draft pick begins the season as the backup middle linebacker to Anthony Walker.

The Colts selected Okereke in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 89th overall.

A three-year starter at Stanford who picked up Pac-12 Honorable Mention nods in each of his last two seasons, Okereke adds even more talent to a loaded Indianapolis linebacking corps. He had 96 tackles in each of the last two seasons and has impressive length and athleticism for a linebacker. Okereke checks in with 34 1/2-inch arms and ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The Darius Leonard comparisons will be tough to escape because of Okereke's speed, length, and ability.