The Colts are set to utilize the NFL’s new IR rule, but the player they’re eyeing for a potential return is quite intriguing. Despite Samson Ebukam suffering an Achilles tear, Indianapolis isn’t ruling out a late-season comeback.
Ebukam sustained the injury in late July, but instead of sidelining him for the entire season, the Colts are keeping the possibility of a return open. According to Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star, the team plans to place Ebukam on IR with a return designation. This move will immediately use up one of the Colts’ eight injury activations.
The Colts are also planning to designate linebacker Cameron McGrone for a return from IR, further reducing their remaining IR-return moves from eight to six before the season even begins.
Previously, players placed on IR before the final 53-man rosters were set were out for the season, but the NFL’s new rule allows teams to designate two players for return before the final rosters are announced. Any player placed on IR with this designation will count against a team’s activation total, regardless of whether he returns. This is particularly relevant for Ebukam, who faces a lengthy recovery.
Ebukam had a standout season in 2023, recording a career-high 9.5 sacks, contributing to the Colts’ top-five ranking in that category. Despite the team’s solid depth at the position with players like Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and first-round pick Laiatu Latu, the Colts clearly see Ebukam as a key player. There are precedents for such a return, like Cam Akers, who came back late in the 2021 season after a similar injury, though his performance was limited. Other notable comebacks from Achilles injuries include Terrell Suggs and Michael Crabtree, though both had more time to recover after their injuries.
Interestingly, the Colts are willing to use another IR-return move on McGrone, a special teams player who logged 152 defensive snaps last season. However, they won’t be doing the same for tight end Jelani Woods, who is dealing with a turf toe injury that required recent surgery. Woods will be placed on IR without a return designation, according to Mike Chappell of Fox59.
