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INDIANAPOLIS – It’s a major problem without a clear answer.

Chris Ballard knows that.

Well before Ballard arrived, and ever since he took over in 2017, the Colts continue to have an abundance of injury issues.

We’re having too many,” Ballard accurately states.

Analytics site Football Outsiders compiles an annual stat of ‘games lost’ for every NFL team.

While the 2019 numbers have yet to be released (one analytics site has the Colts around 21st in games missed in 2019, here’s a look back at where the Colts have ranked:

2018: 30th in games missed

2017: 26th in games missed

2016: 20th in games missed

2015: 17th in games missed

2014: 30th in games missed

2013: 30th in games missed

2012: 30th in games missed

2011: 28th in games missed

2010: 31st in games missed

This past season, the Colts actually had nearly 40 percent of their position players play in every game. Their offensive line achieved the incredible mark of having all 5 starters start all 16 games.

However, there were still some notable names (i.e. T.Y. Hilton, Eric Ebron, Darius Leonard, Malik Hooker, Kenny Moore) missing multiple games.

As Ballard has looked into this issue, he’s overhauled the strength and conditioning department and the nutritional program of the Colts.

While the medical staff has largely remained the same over the years, Ballard doesn’t see that as part of the reason.

“Our guys do a tremendous job,” Ballard says of the athletic training staff. “I have great faith in both our areas back there, strength and training. Some of these…how do you avoid a high ankle sprain? How do you avoid a broken collarbone?

“The soft tissue stuff, which is down, believe it or not, and I think our staff saved a bunch that would’ve lasted even longer, had they wouldn’t have gotten ahold of it faster.”

So if Ballard is pleased with the main aspects that deal with conditioning and recovery, what are the answers for the Colts constantly ranking near the bottom of the NFL in games missed?

The mystery doesn’t have an obvious answer.

But Ballard now heads into Year Four of his tenure still looking into a problem that started far before he arrived in Indianapolis.

“We’ve got to do a better job of keeping our players healthy during the season,” the GM says. “Injuries are going to happen. You’re not going to go completely through a season scot-free, and nobody gets hurt. That’s not realistic. That’s going to happen.

“We’re going to do everything we can to limit (injuries) and we’re delving into that now.”

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