Colts fans received an encouraging injury update as it relates to the health of a key defensive lineman.
Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive end Samson Ebukam expects to be cleared in time for training camp (via the Indy Star’s Joel Erickson):
Ebukam says he’ll be cleared for training camp; he also says that even if the Colts had made the playoffs, he wouldn’t have had a chance to play. Initially, the team talked about the potential for him to come back, but it was never a real possibility.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) May 7, 2025
The 29-year-old starting defensive end suffered the devastating lower leg injury during last year’s training camp after coming off an impressive 2023 debut campaign with the Colts.
During that standout season, Ebukam recorded 57 tackles (39 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 48 QB pressures, 3 forced fumbles, and a pass defensed during all 17 starts.
Per PFF, he earned a 84.4 overall grade, which was highlighted by a +80.0 run defense grade—as the Colts’ run defense cleared missed his ability to ‘set the edge’ last year.
In his late twenties, it’ll be interesting to see if Ebukam can make a full recovery from a significant Achilles injury, which has sapped some explosiveness from former players.
The Colts clearly think so, as they kept him around for the last year of his current contract, despite a clearly not insignificant cap hit of $10.49M this upcoming season.
As it stands, both Ebukam and former first rounder Kwity Paye are expected to be the starters at defensive end, with 2nd-year pro Laiatu Latu rotating in on passing downs, and rookie 2nd round pick JT Tuimoloau and veteran Tyquan Lewis also in the mix.
If Ebukam can regain his prior form of a year ago, his return will be significant for the Colts.