The Colts’ will have to navigate the 2024 season without defensive end Samson Ebukam, who is reportedly out for the season with an Achilles injury, according to Ian Rapoport.
#Colts veteran DE Samson Ebukam, who went down in practice yesterday, tore his Achilles, source said. His season is over before it began. pic.twitter.com/8AG1r4AP1K
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2024
Ebukam had to be carted off during Sunday’s training camp practice.
The 2023 season was Ebukam’s first with the Colts’ after being signed by the team in free agency that offseason. Ebukam would make an instant impact in both the run and passing games, ranking ninth among all edge defenders in PFF’s run defense grade while also leading the team in sacks with 9.5 and finishing second in pressures.
“He plays with so much physicality,” said Shane Steichen about Ebukam last season, “he sets the edges, he rushes the passer, he’s able to fall back and make plays on the running back like he did the other day. Just a tremendous get – great job by Chris Ballard and his staff. Signing him in the offseason was a huge get for us.”
One of the strengths of this Colts’ defense is the depth that they have along the defensive front, and without Ebukam, that will be tested right away.
Rookie Laiatu Latu, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis will all have to likely fill larger roles this season to make up for not having Ebukam on the field.
The Colts pass rush is coming off a 2023 season where they finished fifth in sacks with 51, but when it comes to improving in 2024, DeForest Buckner mentioned the unit needing to generate more consistent pressure.