Indianapolis Colts Rookie Safety Malik Hooker Out for the Season With Torn ACL, MCL

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Malik Hooker's rookie season has officially come to an end.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano confirmed on Monday that Hooker tore the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during their 27–0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday and he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

"Very, very unfortunate. He's a great young talent. You hate to see it happen to anybody. He'll get through it and we'll help him get through it," Pagano said, via the Indianapolis Star.

The Colts' starting free safety sustained the injury during a play from quarterback Blake Bortles to wide receiver Allen Hurns in the second quarter of the game last Sunday. Hooker was chasing Hurns along the left sideline when Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole delivered the awkward hit and he immediately went down to the turf. He did walk off the field on his own after the hit, but it was clear that something was seriously wrong with his right knee.

Hooker's not going to return to the field this season, but he's keeping his head high despite the setback.

"Was a fun year while it lasted. Enjoyed every moment of it. Appreciate all the support and love, in the mean time starting this journey for the return ... stay tuned," he wrote on his Twitter account. "PS: I WILL BE BACK!!!!" he added.

Hooker is the 15th overall pick in this year's draft and he has had an impressive season before he got hurt. In seven games (six starts), the former Ohio State standout has recorded 21 tackles, three interceptions and four passes defensed.

Veteran safety Darius Butler and second-year pro T. J. Green should see a significant uptick in playing time with Hooker out for the rest of the season. Clayton Geathers is also expected to make his return soon.