INDIANAPOLIS – He hasn’t played a meaningful snap of football since December 2015. No one can predict whether his body will hold up or if he’ll be sidelined again.

And, yet, it feels like inside linebacker Jon Bostic has a real shot to matter for the Indianapolis Colts.

Expectations should probably be muted for a guy who hasn’t been injury-free since his rookie season in 2013. But given the lack of proven options for the Colts at inside linebacker, it’s difficult not to look at a seemingly healthy Bostic running around during workouts and think, “What if?”

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And that’s why, when the Colts report to training camp Saturday, Bostic will certainly one of this team’s players to watch.

What he’s done

Granted, Bostic hasn’t been a Pro Bowl-level starter in the past, but he’s definitely been a competent player. For a Colts team that by season’s end in 2016 was starting Antonio Morrison and Edwin Jackson — both raw and inexperienced players — Bostic is a welcome addition.

Bostic earned a starting job as a rookie with the Chicago Bears, starting nine games and registering 57 tackles in what was likely his best season as a pro. In football terms, 2013 is admittedly was a lifetime ago. Making assumptions that Bostic can turn the clock back might be fool’s errand.

But, again, what if? Bostic was impressive during offseason workouts, looking nothing like the guy who couldn’t overcome back, ankle and foot injuries in recent years.

“This Jon Bostic character,” defensive coordinator Ted Monachino said during June’s minicamp, “he’s a guy that can do an awful lot of things very well.”

Why he matters

The Colts have cycled through more inside linebackers in the past year and a half than the Kardashians have boyfriends.

It’s not a sustainable method of establishing a formidable defense nor winning games. From Jerrell Freeman to Sio Moore to Nate Irving to D’Qwell Jackson, the Colts have had an utter lack of stability in the middle of their defense. Accordingly, they’ve had a lack of production there, too.

Morrison and Jackson played extensively last season, something the Colts are quick to remind us of. But while those snaps gave both players needed experience, it also exposed their limitations and highlighted their mistakes.

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Both are back in the mix this season, but Bostic had established himself as one of the two inside linebackers typically with the first defense by the end of offseason practices. Veteran Sean Spence is another strong candidate to start. Also lurking is rookie Anthony Walker, a fifth-round pick for whom coaches have high expectations.

But Bostic, if he can continue his comeback, has a chance to give the Colts a versatile, veteran presence who can be relied upon at a key position.

“I was just looking for a place I could come in and compete,” Bostic said recently. “I don’t need anything given to me. I want to go earn everything. Like I said, for me, I just wanted to find a place that’s just going to let me come in and do that. Let me be me.”

If he can do that, things might get interesting.

What to expect

It’s impossible to know how this plays out given Bostic’s injury history. But for the moment, look for him to get every chance to establish himself at inside linebacker.

He can play both the “Will” and “Mike” linebacker spots, as they’re labeled on the Colts’ official depth chart. That gives coaches options because he can snuff out the run as well as cover tight ends and backs. That gives him a chance to be a three-down linebacker.

Also, keep in mind that Bostic is only 26. Without his injuries, he’d be considered to be in his prime. For his part, Bostic has proclaimed himself healthy.

“The body feels good, feels fresh,” he said. “So, I’m ready to go.”

Time will tell, but it all sounds good. We’ll just have to let this one take its course.

And that’s why Bostic is a player to watch.

Follow IndyStar Colts Insider Stephen Holder on Twitter and Facebook.