REPORT: Colts Rookie Safety Malik Hooker Out for Season

The Indianapolis Colts lost more than a game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Safety Malik Hooker, the Colts first-round pick in this year’s draft, is out for remainder of the season with a torn MCL and ACL.

Hooker, the ballhawking free safety from Ohio State University, had gotten off to a tremendous start in his rookie year. He will end his rookie campaign with 22 tackles, 4 passes defended and 3 interceptions.

The injury appeared to occur while Hooker was attempting to chase down Jacksonville wide receiver Allen Hurns running along the sideline. Fellow rookie, Keelan Cole, then attempts to block Hooker from the side and clipped his right leg.

Hooker’s absence will leave a huge void in the secondary. Veteran Darius Butler is expected to slide in to Hooker’s starting role.

With Hooker out, second-year safety T.J. Green will likely see more of the field when the Colts send 5 or 6 defensive backs onto the field.

The average recovery time for injuries similar to what Hooker incurred on Sunday is typically 6-10 months. That time frame hopefully allows for Hooker to return to the team sometime during next year’s training camp.

More from Horseshoe Heroes

However, Hooker has a checkered injury history that caused many teams to pass on him at the top of last year’s draft.

The Colts have been no stranger to the injury bug this season. Running back Robert Turbin was placed on season-ending injured reserve last week after injuring his elbow against the Tennesse Titans. The Colts’ franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck, has yet to take a snap this season after having offseason shoulder surgery.

Losing Hooker for the season simply added injury to insult yesterday afternoon.

Home/Colts News