WESTFIELD, Ind. — Samson Ebukam stood in a sauna-like tent early Saturday evening to face the media and address his expectations for the coming season.
Nearly one year ago to the day — July 28, 2024 — and on the same Grand Park practice fields, his eighth season in the NFL and second with the Indianapolis Colts ended when he tore an Achilles tendon.
While there’s no timetable for any injury, and certainly a ruptured Achilles, Ebukam isn’t surprised he’s returned so quickly. Saturday, he took reps with the starting defense in 11-on-11 work.
“Honestly, I thought I’d be back quicker, but God had other plans,’’ he said. “I’m kind of really relying on Him. I’m here for a reason, right where I’m at right now is where I need to be. So, just got to keep going.
“Yeah, one day at a time is what I’m taking in. We are going to be good for the season.’’
Ebukam was able to work with the rehab staff during the Colts’ offseason workout program, and his workload in training camp will be monitored.
“We’re working him back into it from a rep standpoint,’’ coach Shane Steichen said, “but he’s looked good. He feels good. He attacked his rehab like the ultimate pro in the offseason. It was phenomenal.
“He was in there at six in the morning every single day, offseason, you name it. So, I’m grateful to see him back out there, going through that injury.’’
The injury lingers in the back of Ebukam’s mind.
“I mean, every now and then you will (think about it), because of what type of injury it is,’’ he said. “I am not going to sit here and lie to you. At the same time, the more I use it, the more I trust it, the more explosive I’m becoming.’’
Ebukam was one of general manager Chris Ballard’s heftier free-agent signings prior to the 2023 season. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder was given a three-year, $27 million contract with $11 million in guarantees.
The return on the investment came immediately. Ebukam piled up a team-best and career-high 9.5 sacks on a defense that set an Indy-era record with 51 sacks.
There would be no follow-up impact because of the injury. Prior to the torn Achilles, Ebukam had missed just two of 115 regular-season games in seven seasons with the Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.
Being ready for training camp, he insisted, is “really a blessing. I don’t take any days for granted. I’m just out here trying to be my best and be in the best shape possible, so whenever the time comes, I can help the team win.’’
Does he have personal goals to chase?
“Yeah,’’ Ebukam said, “not going to tell you any numbers or anything like that, but I just want to be better than I was. That’s it.’’
Getting meaningful contributions from Ebukam would do wonders for coordinator Lou Anarumo’s pass rush. The edge pressure mix includes 2021 first-round pick Kwity Paye, 2024 first-rounder Laiatu Latu, 2018 second-rounder Tyquan Lewis and 2025 second-rounder JT Tuimoloau.
Steichen ‘picked’
The open competition for quarterback will remain between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones.
Steichen won’t insert himself in the mix, even though the former UNLV standout quarterback showed off his right arm Saturday.
After pulling the team around him prior to the final team session, he replaced Richardson and lofted a pass that found the receptive arms of safety Cam Bynum.
“I didn’t see much,’’ Steichen said with a smile when asked about the interception. “I dropped back, I had some pressure in my face and then I let it go and he made a helluva play on the ball.’’
“He leaned into it, gave it everything he got,’’ wideout Michael Pittman Jr. said.
The planned pick was to give players a “sudden change’’ scenario. Bynum and the defense headed up the field. When Bynum finished the pick-6, he orchestrated one of his popular celebrations. Players sat on the field and acted out a rowing-the-boat skit.
“We let them score with it,’’ Steichen said. “Have some fun with it.’’
Pierce contract update
Wide receiver Alec Pierce is one of several Colts in the final year of his contract, and it appears there’s no meaningful movement on a new deal.
“I haven’t really thought about it too much,’’ he said. “I know my agents might have talked with them a while back.
“But I feel like it’s going to be to play the season out and kind of see where things go.’’
Pierce has a base salary of $3.656 million in the fourth year of his rookie contract.
After establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier deep threats and leading the league with 22.3 yards per catch in 2024, the 2022 second-round pick will command a massive raise either from the Colts or as a free agent next offseason.
Quarterback update
Richardson and Jones shared an inefficient day at the office.
Richardson was 4-of-14 with a rushing TD in 11-on-11 drills while Jones was 5-of-14 with a touchdown to Pierce and an interception.
After four days, Richardson unofficially is 19-of-43 (44.2%) with one interception and Jones is 25-of-43 (58.1%) with an interception and a TD.
Injury update
Cornerback Kenny Moore II (knee) and offensive tackle Jack Wilson (pectoral) were held out of Saturday’s practice.
Steichen said Moore’s injury was “nothing serious. He’ll be out there next week, but we rested him today.’’
The Colts have Sunday off before returning to practice Monday morning.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.