The Indianapolis Colts released their Wednesday injury report ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, and safety Julian Blackmon was one of three defensive starters listed.
The other two were DeForest Buckner (back) and Kwity Paye (hamstring).
Blackmon did not participate due to a shoulder injury. When Blackmon sustained the injury is not known. Against the Houston Texans in Week 1, he played 100 percent of the defensive snaps.
With Joe Mixon and the Texans running game frequently getting to the second level on Sunday, Blackmon totaled 11 tackles on the day, which didn’t include any misses, according to PFF’s metrics. In coverage, Blackmon allowed two receptions for only 17 yards.
Blackmon popping up on the injury report now adds some clarity to the Colts’ decision to sign Ronnie Harrison to the practice squad. On their 53-man roster, the Colts only had four safeties, including Blackmon, with Nick Cross, Rodney Thoams, and Trevor Denbow all listed as free safeties on the depth chart.
It remains to be seen if Blackmon’s status for Week 2 is in jeopardy. If the Colts are without him, they’ll have limited options at strong safety, which will include either starting Harrison or moving Cross to strong safety with Thomas taking over at free safety.
The safeties are going to be play an important role against a Packers’ offense that features Josh Jacobs at running back and a litany of pass catching options.
