Indianapolis Colts Place Key Defensive Starter on Injured Reserve

The Indianapolis Colts were embarrassed on Christmas Eve by Arthur Smith’s Atlanta Falcons, 29-10. However, something worse than a loss happened during the contest.

Colts starting strong safety Julian Blackmon went down with a shoulder injury and did not return after an attempted tackle on Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson. Now, his regular season is finished, although he could potentially return in the playoffs according to James Boyd of The Athletic.

We have signed S Henry Black off of the Steelers practice squad and placed S Julian Blackmon on IR.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 26, 2023

The Colts posted the update on X: “We have signed S Henry Black off of the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad and placed S Julian Blackmon on IR.”

Blackmon was having the best year of his four-year NFL career (all with the Colts). Whether or not the Colts make the playoffs, Blackmon’s regular season concludes with the IR designation.

He’ll finish with an impressive stat line. Below are some of the metrics.

15 games (all starts); 88 tackles (5 for loss); 8 passes defended; 4 interceptions. (All career-highs)

To add much-needed depth amidst this development, the Colts signed former Steelers safety Henry Black off of the practice squad. Black has some valuable experience in the NFL, as in 2021, he played in all 17 games for the Green Bay Packers and collected 38 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception.

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While Black could be plugged into Gus Bradley’s defense as either a cornerback or safety, he still likely won’t get massive playing time, even with Blackmon’s injury.

With big shoes to fill, it’s likely that Nick Cross will enter for Blackmon while he recovers. Look for Cross and Rodney Thomas II to occupy the starting safety positions for the Colts to finish the regular season, and likely the playoffs if Indy can sneak in.

Outlook

Can the Colts bounce back from, not only a crushing defeat but a bad injury to a highly important defensive player?

Cross has shown glimpses of greatness this season and now will try to capitalize on a huge opportunity to showcase what he has to give Indy’s defense as they face off against the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans to close out 2023, with both games being must-wins to have any chance at a playoff spot.

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