Indianapolis Colts’ DE Samson Ebukam provided an update on his Achilles injury.
Indianapolis Colts’ defensive end Samson Ebukam met with reporters on Wednesday and provided an injury update as he continues to work his way back from an Achilles injury.
According to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, Ebukam says that he will be in a “great spot” by the end of OTAs and expects to be cleared for training camp.
Ebukam suffered an Achilles injury in late July last summer at the start of training camp. Initially, there were conversations about a potential return for him late in the season, but even if the Colts had made the playoffs, Ebukam said that never became a real possibility.
During Ebukam’s first season with the Colts in 2023, he led the team in sacks with 9.5, and his 48 pressures were the second-most behind only DeForest Buckner.
Earlier this offseason, GM Chris Ballard mentioned that the defense missed Ebukam’s physicality, energy, and toughness.
Once back in the mix, Ebukam will rejoin a Colts’ defensive end rotation that includes Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, and second-round pick JT Tuimoloau.
Without Dayo Odeyingbo, the Colts are losing their top-pressure getter from the 2024 season. Replacing that production will be a group effort, but a Year 2 jump from Latu and the return of Ebukam will be key factors in that equation.
There is, however, some uncertainty around what to expect from Ebukam. Typically, an Achilles injury can be one that takes a full season before a player returns to their original form.
“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. We missed his physicality. Undeniably, we missed what Samson brought a year ago.”