Colts Lose Key Defender to Season-Ending Injury.
The Indianapolis Colts have suffered a major blow to their record-setting pass rush with the loss of starting defensive end Samson Ebukam for the upcoming 2024 season due to an Achilles injury.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ebukam was injured early in Sunday’s training camp practice when he fell during the team’s first 11-on-11 drill, visibly in pain as trainers attended to his lower leg before he was carted off the field. Initially, head coach Shane Steichen described the injury as a calf issue.
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Ebukam enjoyed a career-best season during his debut with the Colts in 2023, achieving personal single-season highs in tackles (57), tackles for loss (10), sacks (9.5), QB hits (17), and forced fumbles (3). His sack total was the highest on a Colts defense that set an Indianapolis-era record with 51 sacks.
The 29-year-old had signed a three-year contract with the Colts last offseason after spending four years with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-20) and two years with the San Francisco 49ers (2021-22). Over 113 games (including starts), he has recorded 38 tackles for loss, 33.0 sacks, 69 QB hits, and 11 forced fumbles.
In response to Ebukam’s injury, the Colts will likely expedite their plan for rookie first-round pick Laiatu Latu, selected 15th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as the first defensive player chosen. Alongside Latu, expect increased playing time for Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis.
