Colts update top pass-rusher's potential return from Achilles injury

The Indianapolis Colts aren't closing the door on a potential return for one of their top pass-rushers.

Even though edge rusher Samson Ebukam suffered a significant injury by tearing his Achilles during training camp, there's a sliver of hope he returns late in the season.

During roster cuts, the Colts placed Ebukam on the Reserve/Injured list with a designation to return. They didn't do so with tight end Jelani Woods, who underwent surgery to repair turf toe.

General manager Chris Ballard explained his thoughts on the decision to designate Ebukam to return and why they aren't ruling out that possibility.

"It's a long shot. There's no doubt. But if I'm going to – if you're going to bet on somebody, you bet on Samson (Ebukam). It is a long shot, but you never know," Ballard told reporters Wednesday. "we really didn't have anybody else that was kind of a bring-back guy."

Ebukam is entering his second season with the Colts after signing a three-year deal with the team during the 2023 offseason. He led the defense with a career-high 9.5 sacks while providing some consistent pressure from the edge.

It's not often a player tears an Achilles during training camp and is able to return for the end of the season. Cam Akers did it with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, but he was hardly the same player when he returned.

The biggest issue with the Achilles tear is the decline in burst and explosiveness when first coming back from recovery.

With Ebukam likely out for the season, the Colts are going to lean more heavily on Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis. Meanwhile, first-round pick Laiatu Latu should eventually earn a starting role if he continues to trend upward.

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