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The Indianapolis Colts held a tryout for five safeties on Tuesday after placing safety Malik Hooker (Achilles) on the injured reserve list, per the league’s transaction wire.
In Hooker’s absence, the Colts are likely to use Khari Willis and rookie third-round pick Julian Blackmon as the starting tandem. However, the Colts could limit Blackmon a bit as he’s coming off of surgery from a December ACL tear. This would allow George Odum and Tavon Wilson to see some defensive snaps as well.
Here is the list of defensive backs the Colts hosted for a tryout on Tuesday:
Two interesting names on this list are Obi Melifonwu and Tyvis Powell. Most of these safeties haven’t really made a name for themselves in the league, but these two could bring interest to the Colts.
Melifonwu is an uber-athletic safety who made his stock astronomically soar after he destroyed the NFL combine drills in 2017. He wound up being a second-round pick with the Raiders but injuries kept him off the field during his first two seasons. He’s played in just seven games in his career.
Powell is interesting simply because he has experience working with the Colts in some capacity. Though it came in 2017 with Chuck Pagano, he at least is a name we are familiar with.
The Colts elevated Ibraheim Campbell to the active roster on Tuesday so these workouts are likely just keeping updated with who’s available for potential practice squad additions.