What is confirmed
Warren did not practice Thursday or Friday. He was absent again Friday before the Colts made the call, per RotoBaller and RotoWire. This is the second straight game he will miss. Indianapolis made him inactive last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans with the same groin injury after he went into that weekend listed as questionable.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner was also ruled out for the Vikings game, per Chappell.
What we don't know yet
The Colts have not given a timeline. There is no word of an injured reserve move, so for now this reads as a week-to-week groin problem. Still, two missed games and a full week without practice is longer than a minor tweak, and owners should plan as if it could drag on.
Why it matters for RSO owners
Warren is the Colts' starting tight end and a big part of their short passing game. With him out again, Will Mallory and Alie Cox are the tight ends behind him. Neither one has the target share to be more than a low-end fill-in. Josh Downs and Keenan Allen are the likeliest receivers to soak up the extra looks over the middle.
For contract leagues, this is a lineup problem, not a roster problem. Warren is a young player on a rookie deal, and a groin injury that keeps him out a couple of weeks does not change his long-term value. Don't sell low, and don't cut him to open a spot.
What to do now
Take Warren out of your Week 7 lineup now. If you don't have another tight end you trust, look on waivers for a starter with a good matchup this week rather than chasing Mallory. If your league has an injured reserve spot that allows players ruled out, check whether you can use it to free a bench slot.
What to watch next
Watch Indianapolis's practice reports next Wednesday and Thursday. A return to limited work would put Warren back in play for the following week. Another week of missed practices, or any move to injured reserve, would mean a longer wait and a bigger hole at the position.
