WESTFIELD, Ind. — What had been another energetic, full-pads practice in front of an enthusiastic crowd and ideal conditions came to a sudden halt.
Salvon Ahmed, a reserve running back for the Indianapolis Colts, was reaching for his lower right leg and screaming in pain after being dragged down by Trey Washington. The rookie safety used a hip-drop tackle technique that’s been banned by the NFL and Washington drew harsh reactions from several of Ahmed’s offensive teammates who watched the play from several yards away.
It occurred late in Sunday morning’s practice and was a live session – tackling allowed – featuring developmental and backup players.
A persistent buzz from the crowded bleachers ceased.
Trainers rushed to Ahmed, then teammates walked over to offer support. DeForest Buckner. Anthony Richardson Sr. Then, the entire team encircled Ahmed and Cam Bynum led a prayer.
After Ahmed’s leg was stabilized with an air cast, he was placed on a stretcher and transferred to a cart, which took him off the field as the crowd showed its collective support. He was transported to a local hospital for X-rays.
Coach Shane Steichen conferred with several of the Colts’ leaders and decided to finish practice with more 11-on-11 sessions.
Steichen said Ahmed sustained a “severe’’ injury to his lower right leg.
He also addressed the situation and the tackle that caused it.
Ahmed skirted the right edge of the line and burst up the field. As he neared the goal line, Washington pulled him down with a tackle technique the NFL banned because of the severe risk of injury.
“I know we don’t encourage hip-drop tackles,’’ Steichen said. “I know Trey is down in the dumps. I don’t think he was trying to do that.
“We’re just trying to create an edge… especially in the developmental (sessions). Those guys are going to have to tackle come preseason. But thoughts and prayers with Salvon, and hopefully he has a speedy recovery.’’
Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin has known Ahmed, a University of Washington product, for roughly nine years from workouts in Seattle.
“Man, I love Salvon,’’ he said. “Extremely tough. Praying for him. Loving on him. I’m obviously going to shoot him a text. I know he’s probably going through all kind of mental stuff right now.’’
At the same time, Franklin understood the competitive environment – and inherent injury risks – when second- and third-line players are in live-tackling drills.
“Young Trey, he’s competing for a job, straight up,’’ Franklin said. “He’s out here trying to compete and trying to be better.
“We’re warriors on that field. When we step on the field, we understand what the possibilities are. These guys are trying to feed their families. It’s part of the game, but definitely a tough break for Salvon.’’
One of the points of emphasis in training camp has been fostering a more physical team, but that always forces a balancing act from the coaching staff. Being more physical can come with an increased risk of injury.
“I think training camp is where you want to create the edge and toughness and the identity of your football team,’’ Steichen said. “So, you have live periods, and it’s really an unfortunate situation.’’
Ahmed, 26, signed with the Colts as a free agent during the offseason after spending much of 2024 on their practice squad. He’s appeared in 38 games with four starts, all with the Miami Dolphins and rushed for 593 yards and five touchdowns.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.