Let’s take a closer look at this Indianapolis Colts team as we go player-by-player through the roster. Up next is DE Samson Ebukam.
With offseason programs now behind us, we will be getting a jump start on our training camp preview by going player-by-player through the Indianapolis Colts’ 91-man roster.
Going alphabetically, up next is defensive end Samson Ebukam.
Samson Ebukam’s profileHeight: 6-3Weight: 245NFL experience: 8 seasonsAge: 30College: Eastern WashingtonNo. 522024 Snap Count totals
Ebukam missed the entire 2024 season after suffering an Achilles injury early on in training camp.
2024 Season Review
Ebukam missed the 2024 season, but in 2023, his first with the Colts after signing as a free agent, he recorded 48 pressures, according to PFF, and 9.5 sacks, which led the team.
As GM Chris Ballard mentioned earlier this offseason, the Colts defensive front missed the physicality that Ebukam adds.
“We missed his physicality,” Ballard said. “Undeniably, we missed what Samson brought a year ago.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
We can say right now that Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye will headline the Colts’ defensive end rotation, but how things shake out playing time-wise after those two remains to be seen, and that includes where Ebukam fits in.
Although the last time we saw Ebukam in 2023, he was highly productive, it’s not a given that he returns to that form coming off an Achilles injury and in his age-30 season.
“It’s a concern, absolutely,” Ballard said of Ebukam coming off the Achilles’ injury via the team site. “But when you know who the kid is and what he stands for and the effort he puts into everything, I’m willing to make that bet.”
Adding to the unknown when it comes to what the defensive end rotation will look like is that the Colts have a new coordinator in Lou Anarumo, and with that, the possibility that things look different than they did a season ago, based on what’s now needed in this new scheme.
Ebukam will be competing with JT Tuimoloau and Tyquan Lewis for playing time.