Samson Ebukam’s Comeback Journey: A Key Piece in Colts’ 2025 Defensive Puzzle
With the offseason in the rearview mirror and training camp looming on the horizon, it's time for Colts fans to gear up and dive into the team’s 91-man roster. One by one, we're breaking down the roster alphabetically, and this time the spotlight is on a guy who’s no stranger to the grind: defensive end Samson Ebukam.
Now, don’t be fooled by his calm demeanor—Ebukam is a relentless edge rusher with serious firepower when healthy. But as the Colts look ahead to a promising 2025 campaign, the big question is: Where does Samson fit into the mix after a lost season?
Who Is Samson Ebukam? A Quick Refresher
Before we get into what’s next, let’s take a quick look at the man himself:
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Height: 6'3"
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Weight: 245 lbs
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Age: 30
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NFL Experience: 8 seasons
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College: Eastern Washington
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Jersey Number: 52
This dude's been around. He entered the league back in 2017 and quickly made a name for himself with his explosive first step and relentless motor. Whether you remember him from his days with the Rams or his more recent stint with the 49ers, Ebukam has consistently shown he can make an impact when he’s on the field.
The Unfortunate Setback in 2024
Sadly, fans never got a chance to see what Ebukam could do last season. Just as training camp got rolling in 2024, he tore his Achilles—a devastating injury for any player, but especially tough for a pass rusher who relies on burst and explosiveness.
The injury sidelined him for the entire year. And while his absence was noticeable, his presence was missed even more. Colts GM Chris Ballard didn’t mince words during a presser earlier this year:
“We missed his physicality. Undeniably, we missed what Samson brought a year ago.”
That physicality—his ability to set the edge, bulldoze blockers, and collapse pockets—is exactly what the Colts needed, especially during those grind-it-out games where every inch mattered.
Flashback to 2023: Ebukam’s Impact Was Real
Let’s rewind to 2023 for a moment. That was Ebukam’s debut season in Indianapolis, and boy, did he deliver. Per Pro Football Focus, he tallied 48 quarterback pressures and racked up 9.5 sacks, leading the team. Not too shabby for a first-year Colt.
It wasn’t just about the numbers, either. His presence helped free up space for others on the line, and he brought a contagious energy to the defense. The Colts’ front seven was feisty with Ebukam wreaking havoc off the edge.
So What Now? The 2025 Roadmap
Looking ahead to this season, the Colts have an interesting dynamic brewing at the defensive end position. Laiatu Latu, their exciting rookie and first-round pick, is expected to get major reps. And Kwity Paye, still developing and oozing potential, will likely be a foundational piece of the edge rotation.
But beyond those two, things get murky—and that’s where Ebukam enters the conversation.
He’s expected to be in a full-blown competition with JT Tuimoloau, another promising rookie, and veteran Tyquan Lewis. That’s not a small hurdle. The position is stacked with talent, but also unproven consistency outside the top guys.
New Scheme, New Coordinator, New Opportunity?
One massive X-factor in all this is the Colts’ new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Known for his exotic looks and creative blitz packages in Cincinnati, Anarumo is bringing a fresh scheme to Indy.
That could mean new responsibilities, different techniques, and altered snap distributions for defensive ends. If Ebukam can quickly grasp the changes and prove his fit, he may carve out a serious role. His versatility and experience may even give him an edge over younger players who are still acclimating to the league.
Ebukam at Age 30: Can He Still Be That Guy?
Now let’s be real—coming off an Achilles injury at age 30? That’s no cakewalk.
There’s always concern about whether a pass rusher can regain their burst and flexibility. But Ballard, who has built a reputation on betting on character guys, believes Ebukam is up for the challenge.
“It’s a concern, absolutely,” Ballard admitted. “But when you know who the kid is and what he stands for and the effort he puts into everything, I’m willing to make that bet.”
That’s a powerful endorsement from the top. It shows that while the front office is aware of the risks, they also believe in Ebukam’s toughness, work ethic, and leadership.
What Needs to Happen for Ebukam to Shine Again?
Let’s break it down into a few clear points:
✅ Health First: No surprise here. Ebukam needs to show he’s physically ready to compete, without limitations. That means full participation in camp, preseason, and being available Week 1.
✅ Scheme Fit: Adapting to Lou Anarumo’s defense quickly and effectively could determine how many snaps Ebukam sees.
✅ Competition Edge: Beating out younger, hungry players like Tuimoloau and showing more consistency than Lewis will be crucial.
✅ Veteran Savvy: Ebukam’s experience can be a huge asset. Whether it’s setting the tone in practice or schooling younger players, that leadership piece matters.
✅ Flash Plays Early: In training camp and preseason games, Ebukam needs to make noise—sacks, pressures, forced fumbles. Something that makes the coaches take notice.
Final Thoughts: The Underdog Vibe
Samson Ebukam isn’t the sexy name on this roster. He’s not the high draft pick or the flashy rookie with a social media following. But he’s exactly the kind of player who can quietly become indispensable by doing the dirty work and bringing heat off the edge.
The road back from injury won’t be easy, and there’s no guarantee he’ll recapture the form he showed in 2023. But if he does? Watch out. The Colts might just have a deep, disruptive pass rush rotation with Ebukam right at the heart of it.
So keep an eye on No. 52 this summer. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, a point to prove, and a defense that could use a little of that Ebukam fire again.
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