Samson Ebukam missed the 2024 season due to a torn Achilles. Will the Indianapolis Colts defensive end bounce back next season?
This offseason, there was speculation that the Colts would cut Ebukam. Such a move would’ve saved the team $7.49 million. However, he is still on the roster, and Colts general manager Chris Ballard seems excited for his return (via Colts.com).
“[The injury is] a concern, absolutely,” said Ballard. “But when you know who the kid is and what he stands for and the effort he puts into everything, I’m willing to make that bet. We missed his physicality. Undeniably, we missed what Samson brought a year ago.”
Ebukam was one of the most important pieces of the Colts’ 2023 defense. He led the team in sacks that year. It remains to be seen if he can be productive again next season.
Will Samson Ebukam Bounce Back with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025?
Looking Back at His Career
Samson Ebukam played college football at Eastern Washington. He was named an FCS All-American during the 2016 season.
The Los Angeles Rams later drafted Ebukam in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. During his four seasons with the Rams, he recorded 150 combined tackles (16 for loss), 14 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Ebukam helped the team make it to Super Bowl LIII, where they faced the New England Patriots. He had four tackles in the 3-13 loss to Tom Brady and Co.
Ebukam signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. After spending two seasons with the team, he signed a deal with the Colts. His 2023 campaign would be the best of his professional career. That year, Ebukam had 57 tackles and led Indianapolis with 9.5 sacks. The Colts recorded 51 team sacks. It was the most since the franchise moved to Indy in 1984.
There Have Been Success Stories in the Past
A torn Achilles, of course, is a serious injury. Following such an injury, many players are never the same. There have been several success stories, though.
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon back in 2012. Yet, he returned the following year and continued to play for several more seasons.
Cam Akers is another great example. The former Rams running back tore his Achilles tendon before the start of the 2021 training camp. Surprisingly, he returned to the field in Week 18 of that season. Akers made a remarkable recovery, going on to help the Rams win the Super Bowl that year.
Could Samson Ebukam become the next success story? Ballard believes he can be (also via Colts.com).
“Whether he’s a 10-sack guy again or not, I can’t judge that,” said Ballard. “But in terms of energy, toughness, and what he brings every day, absolutely I think he could be that.”
Indy’s defense struggled in 2024. The defensive line lost Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency this offseason. Yet, the unit still has quality players like DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kwity Paye, and Laiatu Latu. Plus, Ballard might make some key additions in this year’s draft.
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will need Ebukam to bounce back next season. And don’t be surprised if he does.
Main Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – Imagn Images
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