With Delano Howell Out, What’s Next?

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(87) in action against Indianapolis Colts free safety

(26) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Delano Howell is likely out for the Indianapolis Colts. Now, one of the Colts’ only roster holes just got a whole lot worse.

And if Howell is out for the season as recent reports suggest that he is seeking a specialist for his neck injury, Indy has a right to panic.

Howell was supposed to be the physical specimen next to LaRon Landry as the long-term replacement at safety for Antoine Bethea. He was a physical player that showed positive ability in spot duty for an injured Landry last year. He blew a few deep coverages, but was a hard-hitting safety in his time in Indianapolis.

But right now, the signing of veteran safety Mike Adams is looking like a genius decision.

Adams is a good safety. He’s still performing at a decent level considering he’s in the twilight of his career (33 years old). He’s has solid preseason performances against the Jets and Giants in the preseason so far and could be a viable replacement for Howell. It’s still too soon to determine if Adams can be an every-down safety, but early indications show that he could be a decent replacement for Howell. He made a couple quality plays with the starting defense against the Giants and his talents will be tested as the preseason continues.

Now that Howell’s possible departure is in the works, it means an incredible revamp at the safety position. Adams and Sergio Brown will both get reps in the starting defenses while Dewey McDonald and Colt Anderson both have a better chance at making the team after both have spent time on the roster bubble.

The Colts have the talent to make a championship run, but Howell’s ability at the safety position was in question before his injury. Now, the spot next to LaRon Landry is a gigantic enigma entering the 2014 season. It is possible that the Colts dig into free agency to find more competition to bolster the secondary that is a few injuries away from disaster.

Here’s to hoping that Howell returns to full health and can perform for the Colts in 2015, because this season should be interesting at the safety position.