Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a severe leg injury during training camp practice on Sunday. Coach Shane Steichen announced that the injury occurred when Ahmed broke a long run and was tackled from behind by undrafted rookie safety Trey Washington, who used an improper tackling technique.
The NFL banned hip-drop tackles ahead of the 2024 season due to their high risk of causing lower extremity injuries. Steichen emphasized that hip-drop tackles are not encouraged on the Colts’ developmental team.
Colts teammates immediately rallied around Ahmed after the injury, including quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and DeForest Buckner, who have been team captains in recent years. The team surrounded Ahmed with support as he was placed in an air cast and carted off the field.
Coach Steichen expressed sympathy for Washington, saying that he believes the rookie’s intentions were not malicious, but rather an effort to create an edge on the field. However, Washington was visibly distraught after the incident.
Ahmed has played 38 games in his NFL career, all with the Miami Dolphins, and is known for his toughness. His teammates, including linebacker Zaire Franklin, expressed their support and concern for Ahmed’s well-being, saying that he is a “tough” player who will need to go through a mentally challenging time.
Washington, meanwhile, is competing for a job on the Colts’ developmental team and was trying to be better during practice. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe tackling techniques in football.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6533546/2025/08/03/colts-salvon-ahmed-leg-injury-hip-drop-tackle-training-camp