October 26, 2008 Head coach Tony Dungy isn't sure that guard Ryan Lilja (knee) will be able to return this season. He remains on the PUP list, and the Colts have one more week to activate him. "We're hoping by next week he feels good enough that we can at least have an idea that, 'Hey, in two weeks he'll be ready to play.' Right now, we don't know," Dungy tells the Indianapolis Star.
Our View:Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai owners have been hoping Lilja would be back by this point, but it sounds like we can't count on Lilja to show up and bolster this line any time soon.
October 15, 2008 The Colts did not activate guard Ryan Lilja (knee) from the PUP list on Wednesday, the Indianapolis Star reports. They have three more weeks to either activate him or lose him for the rest of the season.
Our View:The Colts line misses Lilja, who became a started for them in 2004. We expect him back this season, but recent reports have suggested he isn't close yet.
August 30, 2008 Ryan Lilja has been placed on the PUP list due to his knee ailment, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Our View:He will miss at least the first six weeks of the season. Lilja is a solid starter at left guard, and the Colts' offensive line could struggle early in the season with starting center Jeff Saturday also out.
July 23, 2008 The Colts report guard Ryan Lilja is likely to begin camp on the PUP list, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:Lilja has been hampered by knee issues throughout his career, though he is highly reliable when healthy (and often plays hurt). The Colts want to save him for action that matters, and this move will accomplish that.
February 20, 2008 The Indianapolis Colts agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract with starting guard Ryan Lilja, according to the Indianapolis Star. The Colts organization made a substantial investment in their offensive line, the unit responsible for keeping QB Peyton Manning’s jersey clean.
