On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts fans were bracing for the worst when it was reported safety Julian Blackmon left practice with an Achilles issue. Hardly ever do those types of injuries result in the best-case scenario.
And it didn’t take too long for the verdict to be delivered. In fact, some of you might have spit out your morning coffee when it was announced that Blackmon, one of the most promising young safeties in the game who has already recorded 34 tackles in five starts, would miss the rest of the 2021 season with a torn Achilles.
Anyone care to tell us what the Colts did this year to deserve all of this? First, they head into the season with a banged up Carson Wentz, TY Hilton, Darius Leonard, and offensive line. Then Braden Smith gets hurt. Most recently, Parris Campbell injured his foot and will miss significant time and Hilton hurt himself in his 2021 debut this past week.
But Blackmon’s loss truly might be the most impactful. Indy’s secondary hasn’t been all that great this year and he’s been one of the lone bright spots solely given his playmaking ability. He can fly into the backfield and deliver textbook tackles or track down balls while helping in coverage.
Colts S Julian Blackmon, who is one of the ascending young safeties in the NFL, tore his Achilles in practice yesterday. Brutal news.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 21, 2021
Julian Blackmon missing the season for the Colts is brutal news.
At the very least, we’re hoping the recent practice squad additions help out now that Blackmon won’t be seeing the field again this year.
It’s been a rough road for the former Utah Ute, who was drafted in the third round back in 2020. The Colts had such high hopes they had no problem taking him despite the fact he was recovering from a torn ACL.
Blackmon recovered, was eased into action, and ended up playing in 15 games for one of the league’s best defenses last year. He finished with 42 tackles, six passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
We will continue to trust our Lord! He had this planned for me from the beginning. It’s how we respond that matters! Let’s get this W this week!! https://t.co/8iEaxjvj5x
— Julian Blackmon (@JumpManJu32) October 21, 2021
But this year has been a totally different story. The Colts’ defense limped through the first five weeks of the season and contributed uncharacteristic losses, which is why Blackmon’s presence has been so important. At this juncture, it’s going to be extremely difficult to shuffle in new/inexperienced/less impactful players with the way things are going for Indy.
And it’s even worse news for a struggling secondary that seemingly can’t find its footing.
Colts make statement with latest practice squad additions
The Indianapolis Colts made a statement on Wednesday when they signed cornerback Darqueze Dennard and safety Josh Jones to their practice squad.