Colts lose ’23 sacks leader Samson Ebukam to torn Achilles

Defensive end Samson Ebukam, the Indianapolis Colts’ returning sack leader, has sustained a torn Achilles tendon and is anticipated to miss this season, a team source confirmed.

Ebukam’s injury occurred during a full-squad period of Sunday’s practice and deals a big blow to the Colts’ loaded defensive line.

Ebukam had a team-high 9.5 sacks in 2023, easily a career high for the veteran, who was entering his eighth season. Ebukam also registered a team-high three forced fumbles and trailed only three-time Pro Bowl selection DeForest Buckner with 17 quarterback hits.

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NFL Network first reported the news of Ebukam’s injury.

The Colts have been touting their deep defensive line all offseason, projecting it to be one of the strengths of their veteran team.

It still remains relatively deep even after the loss of Ebukam, but his valuable production will need to be replaced.

Expect names like Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis to see increased snaps. Last year, Odeyingbo set career-highs in sacks (8.0), tackles (38), and fumble recoveries (2). As for the veteran rotational pass-rusher Lewis, he played great in his role after bouncing back from Patellar Tendon issues, snagging 4.0 sacks and 44 QB pressures in 2023.

Along with Odeyingbo and Lewis, there’s a chance that Kwity Paye might be on the field more than ever. After a surge of 8.5 sacks and 52 tackles in 2023, Paye wants to continue improving as he has every one of his three NFL seasons.

It is expected that the injury will have a significant impact on rookie Laiatu Latu, the 15th overall pick and first defensive player selected in this year’s draft. The former UCLA standout has been working primarily with the second defensive unit during the first few training camp practices.

Along with constant pressure, Latu is a steady hand in run defense and can be moved around all parts of the defensive line by position coach Charlie Partridge.

Latu is one of the favorites to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for a reason, so Indianapolis shouldn’t shy away from giving the former UCLA star more playing time now that they need a solution for losing Ebukam.

The injury means additional snaps will also be required of veterans Dayo Odeyingbo and Kwity Paye, a pair who combined for 16.5 sacks in 2023.

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