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According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker is feared to have a season-ending torn Achilles but will have an MRI on Monday to learn the full extent of his injury:
Injury updates:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2020
— #Colts S Malik Hooker is feared to have a torn Achilles, but he’ll have an MRI tomorrow to make a full determination, source said.
— #49ers RB Raheem Mostert is believed to have a mild MCL sprain, but he’ll also have tests tomorrow to gain a full timetable.
The 4th-year safety had 2 tackles before he was forced to leave the game early. In his absence, rookie 3rd round pick Julian Blackmon assumed more playing reps at safety and really played well in his debut.
It’s an unfortunate injury for Hooker, as the former 2017 first round pick just entered a contract year with the Colts—having had his 5th-year option previously declined.
General manager Chris Ballard had previously said Hooker was coming off his best training camp for the Colts and had been “an absolute pro”:
Ballard said Malik Hooker has had his best training camp and has been "an absolute pro." GM said it's easy to forget it takes some time for young guys to mature and find their role. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) September 6, 2020
It’s also another significant injury for the Colts, who just lost starting running back Marlon Mack to a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 1.
It’s shaping up to be the second serious Achilles injury for the Colts in as many weeks.
The Colts are still awaiting word on the full extent of 2nd-year wide receiver Parris Campbell’s injury, who was also forced to leave Sunday’s game early because of a knee injury suffered early in the game.
The NFL had a very injury riddled week across the board, as a number of players were forced out of action. Whether it’s because of the lack of preseason games or physical practices this offseason—both because of COVID precautions, could very well be true.
The Colts will hope for a much healthier Week 3—as the team was already without starting tight end Jack Doyle (ankle/knee) and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (illness) entering Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings.