The Indianapolis Colts drafted strong safety Hunter Wohler in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it was assumed from the beginning that the Wisconsin alum would be moved to linebacker.
And right away, he made a big impression. Wohler quickly proved himself to be a great addition to the defense during training camp, with Lou Anarumo using him as a linebacker-safety hybrid. He led the team in tackles during their first preseason game and only got better from there.
Indianapolis has been hosting the Green Bay Packers this week, and stood out once again. In one notable play, he made a diving pass breakup that was impressive enough, but Wohler still seemed disappointed; he wanted the interception, too.
The Indianapolis Colts can't afford to lose Hunter Wohler
But he notched a few interceptions already; one of them was against the Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now.
It seemed like Wohler was a lock for the final 53-man roster, especially on special teams, and the hype around him has been growing more and more each week. And that's exactly why the news out of their game against the Packers so devastating.
In the first half of the preseason game against the Packers, Wohler suffered a foot injury that put a quick end to the game. Wohler was starting in Nick Cross' place, but ended the afternoon earlier than expected. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but it comes at a terrible time - not just for Wohler, but for the overall defense.
As mentioned, Wohler was being used as both a safety and a linebacker in Anarumo's scheme, and has proven that he's up to the task. And both positions are in serious need on the defense, making this injury come at the worst possible time. Wohler was showing a lot of promise, and the momentum he's been building could potentially have just been brought to a screeching halt.
HUNTER. WOHLER. pic.twitter.com/3T0C3EJG5f
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 15, 2025
The situation is so dire right now that, according to Stephen Holder, the Colts are considering holding open tryouts for defensive backs this week.
The defense was already riddled with injuries, and the regular season hasn't even started yet. And now, there's another one added to the list, with a rookie who has been showing that he has a lot of potential. It couldn't come at a worse possible time, and a defense that once looked promising now is in full-blown crisis.