Indianapolis Colts safety Delano Howell was projected to be in a position battle with veteran newcomer Mike Adams for the safety spot opposite of entrenched starter LaRon Landry, who will look to improve his play in coverage so that his reputation matches the product on the field. Safety could be a weak spot for the Colts if Landry isn’t more consistent and if either Adams or Howell doesn’t prove to be an adequate starter. Losing Antoine Bethea wasn’t a big blow, but it was still a tough one given his consistently solid play and status as a veteran leader.
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Howell is currently dealing with a severe neck injury, and while it is no longer thought to be career-threatening, the Colts are still evaluating his situation. According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano stated that the team is still looking over the injury. That means we have just about no clarity on the severity of the injury.
In six appearances last season, Howell recorded 19 tackles and two passes defended, so the free safety has very little experience and would be a wild card if healthy. Right now, his health is the biggest unknown, and we can only that he’s okay. It still isn’t clear if he’ll be able to play at all this season, but at least his career doesn’t seem to be in doubt at this juncture.