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Stephen Holder
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Indianapolis Colts veteran running back Salvon Ahmedtaken down by a defender with an illegal hip-drop tackle, suffered a severe lower right leg injury in Sunday’s training camp practice and was immediately taken to a hospital for X-rays.
The play happened during what the Colts describe as a developmental period, when drills usually include third-string players. During the period when Ahmed was injured, the Colts were going “live,” meaning tackling was allowed.
Ahmed took a handoff and broke free before being chased down from behind as he crossed the goal line by undrafted free agent Trey Washington. Hip-drop tackles were banned last season because of the high number of lower body injuries that occur as a result of the technique.
Ahmed immediately grabbed his right ankle, which was stuck in an awkward position. Ahmed seemed to be in significant pain as trainers came to help, and safety Camryn Bynum gathered teammates around and led a prayer.
The running back was placed onto a stretcher by paramedics and carted off the field.
“Never want to see that happen,” coach Shane Steichen said. “I know we don’t encourage hip-drop tackles. I know Trey’s down in the dumps, and I don’t think he’s trying to do that. We’re just trying to create an edge. … Those [backups] are going to have to tackle come preseason.”
The Colts have conducted precious few live portions of practice in Steichen’s first two camps in Indianapolis. This year, however, he promised a more intense camp and some live tackling.
“I think training camp is where you want to create the edge and the toughness and the identity of your football team, so you have live periods,” Steichen said.
Following the injury, Steichen discussed how to proceed with his team’s leadership. There was about 15 minutes of practice remaining, including a key period of simulated 2-minute situations. They agreed that carrying on would be best.
“There’s guys out here that need those reps to compete and get better,” said veteran linebacker Zaire Franklinwho said he has been friends with Ahmed for six years. “We’re trying to be the best team that we can be so we can win. We’ve got to keep pushing ourselves.”
Said Steichen: “There’s a lot of thoughts going on in my head during that situation. I talked to some of the leaders on the team. We wanted to get that last 2-minute situation in. Felt that we needed that. They were on board with that.”
Ahmed has played four seasons in the NFL, all with the Miami Dolphinsand joined the Colts as a free agent earlier this year.
