It might be easy to blame Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for the team's lack of defensive greatness. Indy is 6-1 for a reason, and it has nothing to do with the Anarumo's unit. Instead, head coach Shane Steichen, quarterback Daniel Jones, and the offense have been brilliant.
But maybe Anarumo's scheme shouldn't be completely to blame for a defense than ranks 21st in yards allowed per play (5.5), and 10th in missed tackles (42). Indianapolis has lost several defensive players to injury, both before and during the season.
The latest is edge rusher Samson Ebukam. He hurt his knee in Week 7 and is expected to miss several weeks, at least. Perhaps, he will make a miraculous recovery and return sooner, but things don't look promising.
Indianapolis Colts' replacement for Samson Ebukam should be Trey Hendrickson
He might not be placed on injured reserve because he would then have to miss at least four games, and the bye week doesn't count. If he is placed on IR, he wouldn't be able to return until Week 13. Either way, the Colts are going to have to find someone to take his reps.
An answer might come easy. Colts general manager Chris Ballard might do something unexpected, pull off an in-season trade (something he abhors to do), and bring in a former Lou Anarumo disciple: Trey Hendrickson.
Anarumo was the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals before coming to Indianapolis this past offseason. Hendrickson played under Anarumo with Cincinnati. Indy acquiring the elite edge rusher would be a natural fit for both the DC and the player.
Would that mean that Ebukam, whenever he returns from injury, might see fewer reps if Hendrickson is a part of the team? Maybe, or possibly Anarumo figures out an equal split. No matter what, the Colts are winners. Plus, Hendrickson is a better player.
Ebukam missed all of 2024 with a torn Achilles. Last season, and the season before, Hendrickson had 17.5 sacks. In 2025, Ebukam has two sacks and five pressures. Hendrickson has four sacks and 12 pressures.
But this isn't a real comparison between Trey Hendirckson and Samson Ebukam. Ebukam is simply missing several games, and if the Indianapolis Colts send a high-round draft pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for Trey Hendrickson then Hendrickson is going to be immediately productive and Indy will be better off when Ebukam because they would have Hendrickson, too.
Can the trade for Hendrickson happen? Of course. The Colts have the draft pieces to make the move. Is it likely to happen? No, but only because Chris Ballard doesn't like to do such things.