Colts: 3 safeties Indy can trade for to replace Malik Hooker

Here are three safeties the Colts should target as replacements for injured starter Malik Hooker.

Does anybody else wish that Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season just hadn’t even happened? As enthralling as some of the games were, dozens of standout players went down with injuries that were ultimately confirmed to be season-ending, or the basis for multi-week absences.

The Indianapolis Colts were one of many teams to fall under this category, as wide receiver Parris Campbell (knee) and safety Malik Hooker (Achilles) were both removed from Sunday’s game. The initial reports indicate that the former avoided a torn ACL, which is extremely relieving when you consider the hit he took and how he went down.

The same unfortunately cannot be said for Hooker, who was confirmed to have suffered a torn Achilles, which will end his season. He is now the second Colts player, Marlon Mack being the other, to sustain a season-ending injury in a contract year.

It goes without saying that Hooker’s absence will be felt in Indianapolis’ young secondary, as he’s one of the most gifted ball hawks in the NFL, so general manager Chris Ballard should already be browsing the trade market to find a replacement.

Luckily for him, there are a handful of teams that either have a low ceiling or are dealing with a slew of injuries, and could thereby be open to acquiring future assets at the expense of their starting safety. Here are three names the Colts should be targeting.

3. Jaquiski Tartt

The 49ers roster has been ransacked with injuries thus far this season, which could be to the Colts benefit.

If you thought Indianapolis’ injury woes were problematic, get a load of the San Francisco 49ers’ list of players facing long spells on the sidelines. The team fears that defensive line stalwarts Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas suffered torn ACLs on Sunday.

Elsewhere, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a high-ankle sprain, and running back Raheem Mostert is believed to be dealing with a mild MCL sprain. That’s not even to mention how decimated the 49ers’ wide receiving corps is.

With these disheartening updates in mind, it’s worth pondering if San Fran will be able to overcome this adversity and compete in its loaded division and conference. If things spin out of control, GM John Lynch could look to sell expendable pieces ahead of the trade deadline.

Should that happen, the Colts should look to acquire Jaquiski Tartt, who’s started at least eight games each season since entering the league as a second-round pick back in 2015. The 28-year-old’s production and consistency have really taken off over the last two years, during which he’s averaged a respectable 66.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.

The Colts need a proven veteran who can come in and start right away, and Tartt is one of the few (potentially) available options that checks those boxes.