Clayton Geathers started to show some real promise last season, but he’ll start the regular season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The Colts were extremely pleased with Clayton Geathers‘ second-year jump as he became a full-time starter last season.
He performed very well racking up 49 tackles with 5 passes defended and a forced fumble in the first 9 games of 2016, but his season was cut short when he suffered a neck injury against the Titans.
We’ve written about the possibility of him missing time and also mentioned the issue in our preview of the safety position, and it has now been confirmed by GM Chris Ballard that he will start the regular season on the PUP list. This means that he will be forced to sit out for at least the first six games of the season.
There is a strong possibility that Geathers will have to miss the entire season as he recovers from “last resort” offseason surgery to repair that neck injury.
A Clayton Geathers-Malik Hooker safety tandem would’ve been incredibly exciting, but luckily the Colts have a couple options in replacing Geathers.
Next: Andrew Luck Set to Begin Training Camp on PUP List
Darius Butler filled in well for Geathers last season as he was moved to safety from his more natural cornerback position. Butler picked off 3 passes with 7 passes defended and 1 forced fumbles in only 12 games last season, and he looks like the most likely replacement at safety.
The Colts spent a second round pick on T.J. Green in last year’s draft, but he looked lost when he was on the field for much of his rookie year. Green has much better size and athleticism for the position, but Butler’s experience gives him the definite edge over the second-year player from Clemson.
Monday was full of ominous news regarding Andrew Luck and Clayton Geathers’ injury recoveries, but at least the Colts have all of training camp and the preseason to figure out how to deal with these issues.