WESTFIELD — The Indianapolis Colts suffered their first setback of training camp: starting defensive end Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the season.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed the injury. NFL Network/NFL.com was first to report it.
Ebukam was one of general manager Chris Ballard’s top free-agent acquisitions during the 2023 offseason – a three-year, $24 million contract with $10.755 million guaranteed – and responded with the best season of his seven-year career.
The 6-3, 245-pounder started all 17 games and was on the field for 702 defensive snaps, second only to DeForest Buckner’s 840 among defensive linemen. He piled up a career-high and team-best 9.5 sacks as coordinator Gus Bradley’s unit set an Indy-era record with 51 sacks. Ebukam also had 57 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits and three forced fumbles.
Ebukam tore his Achilles during Sunday’s practice at Grand Park Sports Campus. He went down during a drill and eventually was taken off the field on a cart.
The injury is a major hit to the defense, but comes at arguably the Colts’ strongest position.
It likely opens the door for extended reps for Dayo Odeyingbo or first-round draft pick Laiatu Latu.
Ebukam has been working opposite Kwity Paye on the d-line, and Bradley probably will immediately turn to Odeyingbo or perhaps versatile Tyquan Lewis in his base defense.
Latu, the 15th overall selection, has been working with the No. 2 unit.
Compounding Ebukam’s injury in the short term is a calf injury that kept Odeyingbo from finishing Sunday’s practice. A source said Odeyingbo could miss a week of camp.
Coach Shane Steichen will put the Colts through their first full-padded practice Tuesday, and Bradley is eager to gauge Latu’s development.
“Well, I mean it’s a great one(opportunity) because right now we’re seeing a skillset that we saw in college: his speed off the ball, his moves,’’ Bradley said. “But once the pads come on, when you don't know it’s pass and it’s run-pass, can you convert run to pass? Can you have all those moves and see that skillset transfer over into all situations?
“So, he seems like he's heading in the right direction though’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.