The Indianapolis Colts’ defensive front could be getting a huge boost this season with the return of Samson Ebukam.

The Indianapolis Colts’ defensive front could be getting a huge boost this season with the return of Samson Ebukam, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an Achilles injury.

However, for a player in his age-30 season and coming off a major injury, one that often takes time for players to return to their previous form, there are unknowns as well in terms of what to expect from him this season.

“It’s a concern, absolutely,” GM Chris Ballard said earlier this offseason 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.”

The 2023 season was Ebukam’s first with the Colts after signing as a free agent that offseason, and he made an instant impact on this defense.

Ebukam finished that year with 48 pressures, along with 9.5 sacks, which led the team.

“(Ebukam) ranked 14th among 112 qualifying edge defenders with an 84.4 PFF grade in his first season with the Indianapolis Colts,” wrote PFF’s Ryan Smith. “Ebukam had already established himself as a productive pass rusher — it was his third straight year with at least 45 pressures — but his 80.0 run-defense grade was by far the highest of his seven-year career.”

The Colts lost their top pressure-getter last season with Dayo Odeyingbo heading to Chicago in free agency. This is also a pass rush unit that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in pressure rate and sacks.

Getting more steady disruption will be a group effort, but Lou Anarumo’s more aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme should help elevate the production up front. A Year 2 leap from Laiatu Latu would also provide a big boost.

Ebukam’s return can play a key role as well, but to what extent still remains to be seen. With the depth that the Colts have at defensive end, they’ll be able to ease Ebukam back into the rotation as they see fit.

“We missed his physicality,” Ballard said. “Undeniably, we missed what Samson brought a year ago.”