Injury Update: Colts Lose Two Starters to Long Term Injuries

The Indianapolis Colts have lost two starters to long term injuries they sustained in yesterday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings. Starting safety Malik Hooker suffered a torn achilles and starting slot wide receiver Parris Campbell suffered a knee ligament injury.

Safety Malik Hooker tore his achilles after only playing around 20 snaps this Sunday. It wasn’t shown on the TV broadcast but it was reported by Colts media that he was seen limping on the sidelines and then went to the locker room to be evaluated. It was shortly after that the team announced the safety had left the game with an achilles injury. It wasn’t until after the game that NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that it was feared that Hooker had torn his achilles but would get an MRI to fully determine the injury. Today ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that Hooker had torn his achilles and would be out for the season. Hooker who is in a contract year after having his 5th year option declined by the team now is set to miss a big year for him in proving his worth to the team. The teams depth at safety should soften the blow with Blackmon, Odum and Wilson all being able to play in a pinch alongside Willis.

Wide receiver Parris Campbell received a knee ligament injury after only playing 2 snaps this Sunday. His injury came on a jets sweep play when he was tackle by Vikings safety injuring his knee. Campbell was visibly in pain straight away and had to be carted off the field. After the game NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that Campbell had not torn his ACL but would have to have an MRI on today to determine the full extent of his knee injury. There have been several conflicting reports today about Campbell’s knee injury. First ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news that Campbell had injured his PCL and would be out indefinitely. However, IndyStar’s Jim Ayello recently reported it’s an MCL injury for Campbell rather than the PCL injury that had been earlier reported and that Campbell had a low percent chance to return this year. Then NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Campbell suffered a sprained MCL and PCL and does not have a clear recovery timetable but that it would be awhile. Campbell who is in his second season with the Colts was looking to have a breakout year after his injury plagued rookie year. Campbell started the year well standing out in week 1 against the Jaguars leading the team in receiving yards and was looking like quarterback Philip Rivers go to target. Colts have plenty of depth at wide receiver but not many receivers who are in Campbell’s mould.