Colts Lose OLB Justin Hickman for 2013 With Foot Injury

November 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Justin Hickman (55) during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to Mike Wells of ESPN, the Colts have lost OLB Justin Hickman for the 2013 season due to a foot injury suffered in the team’s first pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills.

Well, chalk this up as a loss for the pre-season. While the NFL’s annual pointless four-game stretch is not pointless for guys fighting to make the roster, it certainly stinks when you get news like this.

Hickman was having a solid camp for the Colts, and was competing for the #4 OLB spot behind Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, and Bjoern Werner. He was also competing at inside linebacker for the Colts, and could play special teams.

This might not seem it, but it could turn out to be a big blow. The Colts don’t have any proven pass rushers outside of Robert Mathis, and Hickman was developing after a former life in the CFL where he was the defensive player of the year.