On Wednesday, two Indianapolis Colts players, offensive lineman Matt Goncalves and defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau, indicated that they’ve changed their playing weights this early offseason—with the hopes of it helping on the field (via the IndyStar’s Joel A. Erickson and LockedOnColts Jake Arthur respectively):
In Goncalves’s case, he’s looking to get stronger and more powerful at the point of attack along the offensive interior, with added ‘good weight’—as he initially started his Colts career two years ago as Indianapolis’ rookie swing-tackle. It sounds like he should be stronger in his core collectively.
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Reading the tea leaves though now, while Goncalves is supposed to be key competition at both right guard and right tackle against rookie offensive guard Jalen Farmer and 2nd-year right tackle Jalen Travis, it sounds like he believes his future may currently reside more at right guard by ‘bulking up’ this offseason at that particular position.
Meanwhile, Tuimoloau, the Colts 2025 2nd round pick, actually trimmed down a few pounds in the hopes of being twitchy and more explosive off the edge. It was expected he may slide into departed Dayo Odeyingbo’s vacant hybrid role last season, playing both inside and out, but Tuimoloau now appears to be the primary challenger opposite Laiatu Latu, with signed veteran free agent edge Arden Key as the early favorite to start.
Tuimoloau experienced a learning curve with the Colts as a rookie last season, as he had 17 tackles (6 solo) and a tackle for loss with 0 sacks during 13 games—even at times, being a surprising healthy inactive on game days.
Indianapolis will be hoping that he takes a meaningful step in his growth and development and perhaps being lighter on his feet, could pay off regarding more consistent pass rushing impact coming off the edge.
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