Already dealing with harm points on offense, the Colts will likely be shorthanded on the opposite facet of the ball throughout their late-season playoff push. The staff introduced on Tuesday that security Julian Blackmon has been positioned on injured reserve.
As a result of the move, Blackmon will be shut down for at least four weeks, leaving him out of the lineup for Indianapolis’ two remaining regular season contests. James Boyd of The Athletic reports, although, that he may return to the lineup if the Colts handle to make a deep postseason run. The previous third-rounder has remained a full-time starter in his fourth season, making his absence a notable one.
Blackmon entered the season as a pending free agent, and he has upped his worth on a brand new Colts deal or the open market along with his stage of play in 2023. The 25-year-old has loved a profession yr with 88 tackles, 4 interceptions, eight move deflections and a pair of fumble recoveries. He has been a key contributor for an Indianapolis protection which has struggled in various classes however ranks within the prime half of the league towards the move.
As a part of the staff’s younger array of contributors on the backend, the Colts have been already utilizing 2022 seventh-rounder Rodney Thomas as a starter. The 25-year-old has amassed six interceptions in his younger profession, and he will likely be counted on to stay productive with Blackmon out of the fold. The latter’s beginning spot will seemingly be given to Nick Cross, who has largely performed on particular groups so far within the NFL.
To fill Blackmon’s roster spot, the Colts introduced again fellow security Henry Black. The previous UDFA signed a futures cope with Indianapolis this winter earlier than spending time (as he did in 2022) on the staff’s apply squad. He was most just lately with Pittsburgh’s taxi squad, however this Colts reunion will enable him to stay on an energetic roster in the interim.
Considered one of three groups nonetheless in rivalry to win the AFC South, the Colts have video games towards the Raiders and Texans remaining on their schedule. Their capacity to achieve the postseason in any capability will take a success with out Blackmon accessible down the stretch.