WESTFIELD, Ind. — Training camp has ended, but not injuries.
As the Indianapolis Colts closed their latest summer at Grand Park with a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday afternoon, wide receiver Josh Downs and defensive end Samson Ebukam were forced out of the session early.
Downs suffered an injury to his left hamstring while Ebukam, who missed last season with a torn Achilles sustained early in training camp, had a back issue.
Coach Shane Steichen was unable to elaborate on the seriousness of either injury.
Downs’ injury happened midway through the joint practice and the third-year wideout knew immediately something was wrong. He grabbed the back of his left leg and was clearly frustrated.
After being looked at by a trainer on the sideline, Downs walked to the area between the two practice fields and headed inside.
His importance to the offense can’t be overstated.
The 2023 third-round pick has made an immediate impact. Downs’ 68 receptions in ’23 are the most by a rookie in Colts’ history, while his 140 receptions are the most in the first two seasons in club history. Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison ranks No. 2 with 137 catches.
Downs had a team-high 72 receptions in 2024 that generated 803 yards and five TDs despite missing the first two games with a high ankle sprain suffered during camp and another game later in the season.
Downs and Ebukam join a long list of injured Colts.
Rookie cornerback Justin Walley suffered a season-ending torn ACL while running back Salvon Ahmed had his season end with an ankle injury.
Cornerbacks Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents continue to miss practice time with hamstring injuries, and cornerback Kenny Moore II and wideout Alec Pierce exited practice last Sunday.
“Alec’s doing better,’’ Steichen said, adding Moore is “feeling good.’’
Among other Colts not practicing Thursday: defensive end Kwity Paye (groin), safety Nick Cross (hip flexor), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle), running back Khalil Herbert, center Danny Pinter and defensive lineman Desmond Little.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.