Colts S Julian Blackmon out for season with torn Achilles

Injuries continue to affect the Colts early in the season. The team will now be without safety Julian Blackmon for the season’s remainder after the second-year starter suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in practice Wednesday. The Colts announced the injury.

A third-round pick last year, Blackmon quickly ascended to a starting role for the Colts as a rookie and delivered a strong first season. He will now be forced into extensive rehab less than halfway through his rookie contract.

Blackmon took over for Malik Hooker as a starter in September 2020, breaking into Indianapolis’ lineup after the former first-round pick suffered a torn Achilles. Blackmon has started 20 games since and has been one of the most dependable players on a team stricken with injuries early in its 2-4 season.

The Colts have 12th-year veteran Andrew Sendejo on the roster as a possible replacement. The journeyman defender has played 121 defensive snaps this season, filling in for starter Khari Willis. The Colts signed Sendejo after Week 1, but he missed last week’s game after suffering a concussion against the Ravens. George Odum and former second-rounder Josh Jones, who resides on the Colts’ practice squad, serve as other options in the wake of Blackmon’s setback.