Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced during his press conference on the first day of minicamp that safety Daniel Scott had suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Steichen expressed his sympathy for Scott, acknowledging that it’s never easy to see a player go through such setbacks, especially two years in a row.
Scott, a fifth-round pick from California, had already missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear last June. During his college career, he had an impressive track record of interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing his talent on the field. Scott’s performance during OTAs had caught the attention of coaches and teammates, earning him consideration for a starting position alongside Julian Blackmon.
With Scott’s unfortunate injury, the competition for the safety position has become even more intense. Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas are now the likely front-runners for the position, with Cross currently lining up next to Blackmon. Both GM Chris Ballard and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley had mentioned Scott as a strong candidate for the safety role. However, with his injury, the team will now have to reevaluate their options for the position while considering potential free agent signings with salary cap flexibility.
Steichen emphasized the importance of a positive outlook for Scott as he begins his rehabilitation process. The team will now have to move forward without him in the short term but hope that he can make a successful return in the future based on his determination and talent.
