Will Fries, born on April 4, 1998, in Cranford, New Jersey, is quickly making a name for himself as an offensive guard for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Having started his career with the Colts after being drafted in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fries has already shown significant promise. Known for his strength and versatility, Fries’ growth from college football at Penn State to becoming a starter in the NFL has been noteworthy. However, his journey has not been without its challenges, with injuries affecting his season in 2024.
In 2024, Will Fries was making strides as a starting right guard for the Colts but suffered a fractured tibia during Week 5 of the season, which led to his placement on injured reserve. This unfortunate injury has left fans and analysts wondering about his future with the team and his recovery. In this article, we will dive deeper into his career, his college football days, the details of his injury, and what his NFL contract looks like.
Summary of Will Fries’ Career and Injury
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Connor Fries |
| Born | April 4, 1998, Cranford, New Jersey |
| College | Penn State University |
| NFL Team | Indianapolis Colts |
| Drafted | 2021, 7th round (248th overall) |
| Injury (2024) | Fractured right tibia, placed on injured reserve |
| Career Stats (as of 2024) | 35 games played, 26 starts |
| PFF Rating (2024) | Top 10 offensive line ranking (pre-injury) |
| Current Status | On injured reserve for 2024 season |
Key Takeaways
- Will Fries is an offensive guard for the Indianapolis Colts, drafted in 2021 in the 7th round.
- He played college football at Penn State University, where he developed into a promising NFL prospect.
- Fries began the 2024 season as the starting right guard for the Colts but suffered a fractured tibia, placing him on injured reserve.
- His performance in 2024 had shown improvement, contributing to the Colts’ offensive line.
- Details about Fries’ NFL salary and contract remain largely private but are tied to his rookie deal.
Will Fries’ College Journey at Penn State
Will Fries played his college football at Penn State University, a well-known program that has produced many NFL players over the years. During his time with the Nittany Lions, Fries was known for his physicality and consistency on the offensive line. As a multi-year starter, he showcased his skills and helped anchor the team’s offensive line, which paved the way for his entry into the NFL.
While at Penn State, Fries refined his blocking technique and built a reputation for being tough in the trenches. His ability to protect the quarterback and open lanes for running backs made him a key player for the Nittany Lions. By the time he left college, his solid performance and leadership on the field earned him the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Indianapolis Colts.
Will Fries’ NFL Career and Impact with the Indianapolis Colts
Will Fries entered the NFL as a 7th-round pick, which means he had to prove himself from the start. The odds were stacked against him, but Fries worked hard to earn his spot. Since joining the Colts in 2021, Fries has developed into a reliable offensive lineman. Initially coming off the bench, he steadily earned a starting role. His quick adaptability to the NFL’s pace and physical demands showed his growth as a player.
In 2024, Fries became the starting right guard for the Colts, cementing his place in the team’s offensive lineup. His performance was praised for being consistent, especially in a team that relied on its offensive line to protect the quarterback and establish the run game. His versatility allowed the Colts to make adjustments along the line when needed, which is a crucial skill in the NFL. However, his season was cut short due to a serious injury.
Will Fries’ Injury – A Setback in the 2024 Season
During Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, Will Fries suffered a significant injury—a fractured right tibia. This injury led to his placement on the Colts’ injured reserve list on October 7, 2024, effectively ending his season. Prior to the injury, Fries had been showing promise as one of the team’s top offensive linemen.
The injury was a major setback not only for Fries but also for the Colts, who had relied on him to provide stability on the offensive line. The team has yet to release an official timeline for his recovery, but his injury has raised concerns about his future availability for the 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that he will recover in time to contribute next year, as his growth as a player had been one of the positive stories for the Colts in 2024.
Will Fries Injury Update
As of now, no further updates on Fries’ injury status have been provided. After being placed on injured reserve, he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The Colts’ medical staff will continue to monitor his progress and rehabilitation, and fans are hopeful that he will be able to return to full health in time for next season.
Will Fries’ NFL Contract and Salary
As a 7th-round draft pick, Will Fries signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. While specific salary figures for Fries’ contract have not been publicly disclosed, it’s likely that his earnings fall in line with the typical salary structure for players drafted in the later rounds of the draft. Rookie contracts in the NFL are generally capped based on draft position, so Fries’ salary would be modest compared to higher-round picks.
Given his performance and status as a starting guard in 2024, Fries may eventually negotiate for a contract extension, depending on how well he recovers from his injury and continues to perform on the field.
Will Fries’ Madden Rating and PFF Rankings
As of 2024, specific Madden ratings for Will Fries have not been released in official sources. However, Madden NFL ratings generally reflect a player’s performance during the season, and it’s likely that Fries’ ratings were positively impacted by his solid start to the year.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has highlighted Fries’ performance as part of an offensive line that ranked in the top 10 in various categories through the first half of the 2024 season. His individual growth as a starter earned him a positive grade from analysts, making him one of the key players on the line before his injury.
FAQ
What happened to Will Fries in 2024?
In 2024, Will Fries suffered a fractured right tibia during Week 5 of the NFL season, which led to his placement on injured reserve. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Where did Will Fries play college football?
Will Fries played college football at Penn State University, where he was a key member of their offensive line.
How was Will Fries performing before his injury?
Before his injury, Will Fries had established himself as a starting right guard for the Indianapolis Colts and was part of an offensive line that ranked among the top 10 in the league.
What is Will Fries’ current NFL contract situation?
Will Fries signed a four-year rookie contract with the Colts in 2021. His salary details are not publicly disclosed, but it is in line with typical rookie contracts for players drafted in the 7th round.
What are Will Fries’ career stats in the NFL?
As of 2024, Will Fries has played in 35 NFL games and started 26 of them.
What is the prognosis for Will Fries’ recovery?
There is no official timeline for Will Fries’ recovery from his fractured tibia, but fans and the team are hopeful he will return to full health for the 2025 season.