Colts place Griff Whalen on injured reserve, ending his season

Stephen Holder | IndyStar

The Colts placed receiver Griff Whalen on injured reserve Monday, one day after he was hit and fumbled on the Colts’ potential game-winning drive against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Whalen’s fumble with 3:03 left was recovered by cornerback Kareem Jackson and returned 34 yards to the Colts 21-yard line, setting up a Houston field goal that extended the lead to 16-10. Meanwhile, Whalen was hunched over in pain, having absorbed a hit to the midsection that left him with a rib fracture.

The Colts also placed defensive tackle Billy Winn on injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff and waived running back Zurlon Tipton.

The Colts filled the three roster spots with defensive end Earl Okine and defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles, both of whom were promoted from the practice squad, and running back Trey Williams, who was signed off the Dolphins practice squad.

Winn was a key part of the defensive-line rotation, having started three games. Tipton has bounced between the active roster and practice squad the past couple of seasons.