LOCALS IN THE NFL
Julian Blackmon Returns To Colts Practice, Hopes To Be Ready For Camp
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Utes defensive back Julian Blackmon returned to practice for the Indianapolis Colts and hopes to be fully ready for training camp later this year.
The safety spoke with the media after a Colts’ OTA practice on Wednesday, June 1. It was Blackmon’s first time on the practice field since he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in October 2021.
Blackmon “suited up, unlike last week, and though he mostly stood on the sidelines and watched, he did get in during the walkthrough with the first-team defense,” according to the Indy Star’s Nate Atkins.
After practice, the former Utah star spoke with the media about his injury rehabilitation.
“I feel good. … It’s a blessing to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Blackmon said via George Bremer of The Herald Bulletin. ” “It’s nice that I have been through it before.”
Colts Julian Blackmon (32) getting work. Coming back from torn Achilles. pic.twitter.com/Hc2KwpLYxg
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) June 1, 2022
Blackmon is no stranger to a tough injury rehab. During his final college game with the Utes (the 2019 Pac-12 Championship) he tore his ACL.
Blackmon says it doesn't surprise him that he's back on the field.
Says he thinks as a rookie he proved that he's good at rehabilitating an injury.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) June 1, 2022
The safety said he hopes to be 100% for Indianapolis’ training camp later this summer.
“Our goal is to be ready for training camp,” Blackmon added. “As long as we’re progressing in the right way, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be ready.”
Blackmon: "Our goal is to be ready for training camp. … As long as we're progressing in the right way, I don't see why we wouldn't be ready." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) June 1, 2022
“I don’t think that’s a stretch,” Reich said of Blackmon’s training camp goal.
Reich on Blackmon being back for training camp: "I don't think that's a stretch." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) June 1, 2022
About Julian Blackmon
Prior to his time in the NFL, the Layton, Utah native was a standout player at the University of Utah. Blackmon played for the Utes from 2016-19.
After his time in college, Blackmon was selected by the Colts with the 85th overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Blackmon played six games for the Colts in 2021 before his second season in the league was ended by an Achilles injury.
One step at a time.
(via @JumpManJu32) pic.twitter.com/qX7PdvXe38
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 25, 2022
During his first two seasons in Indianapolis, the safety recorded 76 total tackles, 62 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and seven passes defended in 21 games.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
