Colts Rally Around Salvon Ahmed After Scary Scene at Practice

WESTFIELD, Ind. — In the final full-speed practice before heading to Baltimore for a joint session with the Ravens, the Colts were dealt a tough reminder of just how quickly things can change.

During live a live tackling period Sunday afternoon, running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a serious lower-body injury that brought practice to a halt. The fifth-year back, who signed with the team this offseason, was carted off the field with his right ankle in an air cast, his face buried in a towel.

Players and coaches surrounded Ahmed in a show of support, visibly emotional as the moment unfolded.

“Obviously it’s terrible… thoughts and prayers,” head coach Shane Steichen said following the session. “Training camp, we’re supposed to build an edge, but we never want injuries.”

The injury resonated deeply with linebacker Zaire Franklin, who just returned to practice after rehabbing an ankle injury of his own — his first ever surgery as a professional.

“I can't lie. I almost shed a tear yesterday when I first got on that field,” Franklin said. “I never missed that much time before. They've been trying to get me to take off a day for like three years, and I’ve been telling them, ‘hell, no.’”

Franklin and Ahmed’s connection goes beyond the locker room.

“Salvon is a great guy and a ball player. And he's one of those guys that when you see him, you're just happy to see him,” Franklin said. “So obviously we are feeling that emotionally.”

Franklin emphasized the difficult balance between competition and care — especially for players fighting to secure their spot on the roster.

“He's competing for a job straight up, you know, so he's out here trying to compete and trying to be better,” he said. “And, you know, we're warriors on that field. When we step on the field, we understand what the possibilities are. Obviously, we're a team, so we're not trying to hurt each other, but at the same time, we're competing. These guys are trying to feed their family. So, it's a part of the game.”

Despite the emotional weight of the injury, Steichen praised the way his team handled the situation — especially in the final padded practice before heading on the road.

“I thought it was tremendous. Just the team camaraderie that our guys have, and Cam praying over them with the whole team there,” Steichen said. “It just shows the tightness of this group as it comes together. You know, it's a new year with new faces and guys coming together. I think it shows a lot — just the closeness of this team right now.”

Ahmed’s future remains uncertain, but the Colts’ support system is clear. With Baltimore on the horizon, the team will carry his fight with them.