2024 was supposed to be a comeback season for Daniel Scott. But now, the young Indianapolis Colts safety will have to wait until at least next year to play his first NFL game.
Scott recently tore his Achilles in practice and missed last season (his rookie year) with a torn ACL. While those are both major injuries, can he still come back and emerge as an impact player?
Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke about Scott, via Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star:
“To have that happen to him again, it’s a tough break. You never want it to happen in back-to-back years, but you’ve seen guys who’ve had injuries throughout their careers, major injuries, it’s a bump in the road. For him, you’ve just got to have a positive outlook and attack that rehab like we all know he’s going to.”
Steichen is right. Back-to-back season-ending injuries are rough, but it’s not the end of the world.
Can the Indianapolis Colts’ Daniel Scott Still Make an Impact Despite Injuries?
Daniel Scott’s Career Thus Far
Daniel Scott attended St. Francis High School in Pasadena, California. He was a two-way star there, playing both wide receiver and safety. As a junior, he finished with 32 receptions, 567 yards, and four touchdowns on offense. He recorded 47 tackles and two interceptions as a safety. Scott had a great senior year, catching 41 passes for 688 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown and a punt return TD. On defense, he produced 70 tackles and five interceptions.
Scott then attended the University of California, Berkeley. He spent six seasons with the Golden Bears due to redshirting as a freshman and playing an additional year due to COVID-19.
During his collegiate career, Scott recorded 207 tackles, seven interceptions, seven passes defended, and a sack. He started all 12 games as a senior, racking up 85 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a team-leading three interceptions.
The Colts selected Scott in the fifth round (158th overall pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Looking to earn a spot on the roster, his rookie season unfortunately ended before it started. His ACL tear happened during OTAs (organized team activities), meaning he didn’t attend training camp.
After taking a year to recover, Scott returned this year, attempting to make the Colts’ 53-man roster. Yet, his Achilles injury occurred during OTAs once again. He’s now expected to miss another year and will try to return in 2025.
A Successful Career Will Be Difficult, but Not Impossible
Anyone with a heart has to feel sorry for Daniel Scott. Surely, he grew up dreaming about playing in the NFL only to go down with two season-ending injuries. Not only has he not played in a regular-season game yet, he hasn’t even played in the preseason.
There’s still a chance that Scott eventually shakes off the injury bug and has a respectable career. NBA guard Klay Thompson injured his ACL and Achilles and has played three seasons since. While Thompson hasn’t quite been the same player that he was before the injuries, he’s still very productive.
Will Daniel Scott emerge as an impact NFL player? It won’t be an easy task to accomplish, but it’s certainly not impossible.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
