Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) celebrates a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 26, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

WESTFIELD – If Zen was a quantifiable NFL stat, Indianapolis Colts defender Tyquan Lewis could very well lead the league.

The former Ohio State star has built his professional career on versatility. No matter the role needed on the defensive line, Lewis is the first to raise his hand to volunteer.

Since Samson Ebukam went down with a season-ending Achilles’ tendon injury early in Sunday’s practice, that’s often meant lining up at defensive end with the first unit.

But Lewis isn’t about to sweat any potential role moving forward.

“Whatever they need. It don’t matter to me,” he said. “I’m comfortable wherever you put me. You can put me anywhere. You can put me in the middle of the ocean. I can’t swim, but I’ll try.”

Lewis played all 17 games for the first time in his pro career in 2023. Though he never made a start, he set career highs with 25 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three pass deflections, and he tied a career high with four sacks.

But his impact has never been gauged in raw numbers.

Lewis is a “glue guy” in the locker room – a high-character, team-first player who is constantly aiding the bonding process. And he does the dirty work on the field.

Back-to-back October knee injuries cut short his seasons in 2021 and 2022, but he never publicly cursed his fate.

He worked hard to come back each time and was rewarded with a two-year, $12 million contract in the offseason.

Now he’s part of a veteran core on a young defense that aims to silence its doubters this fall.

Much of the potential to achieve that goal lies with the pass rush. After setting an Indianapolis era franchise record with 51 sacks last year, the defense again figures to be led by the men up front.

The absence of Ebukam – who led the team with 9.5 sacks in 2023 – will complicate that quest.

But Lewis has no doubt the Colts still have the pieces to be productive off the edge.

Asked for his personal goals this season, the 29-year-old again showed wisdom beyond his years.

“Each and every day I wake up, as soon as my feet hit the ground, I just say I’m grateful for everything and entitled to nothing,” Lewis said. “I’m just grateful, man. My career is not necessarily (about) what I’m chasing. I just want to wake up and just be the best every single day.

“Every day I aspire to be the best I can be. I just aspire to help someone. Just be the best person, be the best version of myself. Because who I am is good enough at the end of the day.”

RICHARDSON WATCH

It was a relatively quiet day for quarterback Anthony Richardson in terms of passing numbers.

He was 4-for-6 in 11-on-11 drills with no touchdowns or interceptions, bringing his totals for the first four practices to 22-of-30 with three touchdowns and one pick.

There was a scary moment early when a defender stepped on Richardson’s foot and he limped back to the huddle, but he played through it without further incident.

There also was a late brush with cornerback Kenny Moore II, who made brief and unavoidable contact with the quarterback on a scramble after Richardson cut back and into the defender’s path at the last moment.

Neither player was injured on the play.

INJURY REPORT

Right tackle Braden Smith (knee) practiced for the second straight day and graduated to some reps in full team drills.

Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (calf) and cornerback Ameer Speed (undisclosed) did not participate.

Defensive end Titus Leo – who spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve – left Tuesday’s practice on a cart with a suspected knee injury.

NEXT PRACTICE

Wednesday’s session is scheduled to run from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Colts City will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.

Admission is free, but tickets must be downloaded at Colts.com/camp.