Indianapolis Colts lose top pass rusher to torn Achilles

Kevin Hickey

Indianapolis Colts lose top pass rusher to torn Achilles image

The Indianapolis Colts defensive line took a brutal blow as edge rusher Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles during Sunday's practice.

Ebukam had to be carted off the field during team drills on Sunday to the point where the team had to move further down the field to continue practice so the training staff could attend to him.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the news that Ebukam tore his Achilles.

Ebukam signed with the Colts during the 2023 offseason on a three-year deal. He immediately made good on the contract by leading the team with a career-high 9.5 sacks.

This is a massive blow to the defensive line — the strongest position on the entire roster. Ebukam's skill set in Gus Bradley's offense is difficult to replicate.

The Colts used the No. 15 overall pick on edge rusher Laiatu Latu and with this injury, it's likely the rookie will be called on for a bigger role during his first season.

With Kwity Paye on the other end of the defensive line, it's likely that Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis will also see more reps with the first-team defense.

Ebukam will now enter the final year of his contract with the Colts looking to bounce back from a devastating injury.

Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11