Julian Blackmon not going on PUP list is great news for Colts
The Indianapolis Colts added four players to the PUP list ahead of training camp but third-year safety Julian Blackmon wasn’t one of them.
With training camp set to start on July 27 for the Indianapolis Colts, they recently announced the players that would start things on the PUP list. In total, it was four players, headlined by perennial Pro Bowler Darius Leonard. Lost in the news of Leonard’s inclusion on the list was the fact that Julian Blackmon was not on the list.
Blackmon tore his Achilles in a Week 7 practice last year and missed the remainder of the season. He had limited participation in Indy’s offseason program but it wasn’t clear when he would be fully back. Now, it turns out that Blackmon won’t have to miss any time in camp, and barring any setbacks, he should be ready to start at safety in Week 1.
Julian Blackmon is cleared to start training camp
In addition to the several players the Colts added this offseason, a healthy Julian Blackmon is another exciting piece Indianapolis is lucky to incorporate into the lineup. He should regain his starting spot at free safety and help contribute to what could be a special defense.
As a rookie, Blackmon earned the starting job and immediately became an impact player. In year one, he had two interceptions, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 42 tackles. In the six games before his injury last year, Blackmon already had 34 tackles, and one forced fumble.
He’ll now look to return to the field and pick up where he left off as a promising young defender. Prior to his injury, Blackmon was a fearless safety that would fly downhill to play in the box and roam the secondary to defend the pass. That’s what the Colts will need him to be now that he’s healthy.
It’s great that he will be able to get a full camp since it’s been a while since he played football. Blackmon needs the reps to get reacquainted with the action of the game and also to learn the new defense as he continues his development. He’s only entering his third season in the NFL and has only played 21 games, so there’s a ton of growing left for Blackmon to do.
