The Indianapolis Colts suffered a big loss when defensive end Samson Ebukam suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday's practice. The loss of the club's 2023 sack leader left a void.
Luckily for Indy, first-round rookie Laiatu Latu is there to step in.
The UCLA product stood out as the pads came on during training camp this week. While looking forward to earning more reps, Latu lamented the injury for a teammate he's become close with.
"That's my big bro," Latu said Tuesday, . "Pre-draft, after draft, pre-practice and all that stuff, he's really been helping me. He's been a big brother to me, working with me on my get-off, working on different moves, stuff like that. Learning from him, watching film on him. So, I'm just trying to carry what he was already providing for the team and I'm trying to boost that up so it doesn't feel like we're missing anybody.
"He's in my prayers. I sent him a text and I'm hoping I can see him after this (practice). But shoot, he's just going to be in my prayers."
Latu entered the 2024 NFL Draft perhaps the most pro-ready pass rusher, boasting the strength to play through blocks, good counter moves, and a relentless motor. The biggest question was medical after a serious neck injury earlier in his college career.
The 23-year-old said his approach hasn't changed after Ebukam's injury.
"Shoot, I'm just going to keep carrying on like I've been,'' he said after Tuesday morning's practice. "I've been fighting for that starting spot, trying to prove I can be up there playing with the big dogs. I'm going to continue doing that. Nothing changed for me.''
He added: "I've been treating every day like it's a game rep. It's just another day with pads on. I'm out there doing my thing. I think I've been proving myself every day that I can be out there with Buck (DeForest Buckner), Z (Zaire Franklin) and all those guys."
With Ebukam's injury, the Colts need the entire rotation to step up, including Latu, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and others.
"Yeah, Kwity, Dayo and Latu, I mean, it's time." Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. "Those guys need to step up. I mean, they're good players. Now, obviously, Latu coming in rookie year . . . we like where he's at and we've got to keep repping that."
With pads just coming on this week, we'll likely hear more positive stories about Latu's transition to the NFL. He should be on the shortlist for potential Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
