After Julian Blackmon was placed on injured reserve, the Colts worked out a former first-round pick

admin | December 28, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Colts are looking for a substitute for Julian Blackmon as they fight for their postseason survival.

The Indianapolis Colts are clinging to the final AFC playoff berth with two games remaining and are scrambling to locate secondary depth after losing safety Julian Blackmon for the season.

According to Aaron Wilson, the Colts brought in four different defensive backs for tryouts on Thursday, including former first-round choice Karl Joseph. It is uncertain whether Indianapolis will sign any of the guys, but they will most likely want another body in case more injuries develop over the next two weeks.

Joseph is the most notable of the Colts’ workout participants. Joseph, a six-year NFL veteran, last appeared in two games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. In 2022, he remained with the Steelers but did not play due to injuries.

Josepth was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2016 and started 41 of 49 games in his four seasons with the team. He then appeared in 14 games for the 2020 Cleveland Browns, starting eight of them, before joining the Colts.

Colts muddying the waters

The loss of Blackmon is a huge blow for the Colts, and it comes at the worst possible time of the season. The Colts have lost two of their last three games after winning four in a row, and they don’t have much room for error in the AFC playoff picture.

This season, Blackmon has started every game for Indy and leads the team with four interceptions and eight pass deflections. He has 88 total tackles, including five for loss. Blackmon, a 2020 third-round pick, has started 46 of his 50 career games, all with the Colts.

The Colts are one of four 8-7 teams in the AFC contending for the final wild card position, which they currently hold into Week 17. The Colts’ game against the Raiders on Sunday is as vital as they come this season.

A defeat sets up a chaotic scenario in Week 18, whereas a win puts Indy in position to earn a postseason berth at home against the Houston Texans in the season finale.