During the first day of minicamp, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared unfortunate news at his press conference. He revealed that safety Daniel Scott had suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Steichen expressed empathy for Scott, emphasizing the difficulty of facing such setbacks consecutively. Despite the challenges, Steichen acknowledged that injuries are part of the game and expressed confidence in Scott’s ability to overcome this obstacle.
Scott, a fifth-round pick from California in 2023, missed his entire rookie season after tearing his ACL last year. During his time at Cal, Scott showcased impressive skills with six interceptions and eight pass breakups in his final two seasons. He also proved to be effective in limiting quarterbacks to a passer rating below 80.0 when targeted.
Throughout OTAs, Scott impressed both Steichen and the coaching staff, notably intercepting Anthony Richardson during a practice. GM Chris Ballard and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley recognized Scott as a contender for the starting safety position alongside Julian Blackmon. Steichen praised Scott’s intelligence, describing him as a smart player with a promising future in the league.
With Scott now out due to injury, Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas are among the frontrunners for the vacant safety spot. Currently, Cross has been lining up alongside Blackmon in practice. The Colts have cap space and potential free agent options to consider as they address the position’s depth. Steichen encouraged Scott to approach his rehabilitation positively and with determination.
The safety position battle is set to be an intriguing competition during the summer training camp. Scott’s absence creates an added sense of urgency for the Colts to solidify their defensive backfield. As Scott focuses on his recovery, the team will continue to evaluate their options to ensure they have a strong and competitive secondary for the upcoming season.