Nick Cross Injury News & Updates

Cross finished Sunday's loss to Jacksonville with five tackles (three solo) and two defensed passes.

Cross was Indianapolis' third-leading tackler in the tough loss. He also notched multiple defensed passes for the first time this season. Cross has posted at least five tackles in all but one of his 13 contests on the campaign and is up to 89 stops, including 2.5 sacks, overall.

Cross posted six tackles (four solo) during the Colts' 20-16 loss to the Texans on Sunday.

Cross was one of four Colts defenders to play all 76 defensive snaps during Sunday's loss, and he has played every single defensive snap in six of 12 regular-season games. The fourth-year safety is up to 83 total tackles on the year and is within striking distance of eclipsing the tackling century mark for a second consecutive season.

Cross recorded eight tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

Cross's eight tackles were his highest total since Week 5. His tackle pace is well off pace from his breakout 2024 campaign, though he has chipped in a career-best 2.5 sacks across 11 games.

Cross registered seven tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, during the Colts' 31-25 overtime win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Cross was credited with a sack early in the second quarter, when he took down Michael Penix behind the line of scrimmage for a minimal loss. The 2022 third-rounder is up to 2.5 sacks on the season after logging just a single sack through the first three seasons of his NFL career. Cross is up to 69 tackles (41 solo) and three pass defenses (one interception) through 10 regular-season games.

Cross recorded six tackles (three solo) in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

Cross played all 62 defensive snaps against Pittsburgh, the fourth time this season he's played 100 percent of the snaps in a game. On the year, Cross is up to 62 tackles (38 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and three pass breakups, including one interception, on 92 percent of Indianapolis' defensive snaps. While Cross has struggled somewhat in coverage, he's been an asset against the run.

Cross (shoulder) logged a full practice session Thursday.

Cross sat out Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, but his return to full participation one day later suggests that the issue was minor. With that in mind, Cross should be good to take on his usual starting safety role Sunday against the Steelers.

Cross (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

Cross may have sustained the injury during the Colts' 38-14 win over the Titans in Week 8, when he logged just three tackles (two solo) while playing 80 percent of Indianapolis' defensive snaps. He has two more opportunities to participate in practice this week, and he would an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Steelers if he were to log a full practice.

Cross recorded three total tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 38-14 win over the Titans.

Cross' three stops during Sunday's win marked his lowest total of the season. He also played just 80 percent of Indianapolis' defensive snaps, but that's likely a result of the second-half blowout. Through the team's first eight games this season, Cross has tallied 56 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and three passes defended, with one interception. He'll look to return to his usual tackling form ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Steelers.

Cross logged six solo tackles and an interception during the Colts' 38-24 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Cross stopped the Chargers' red zone possession in its tracks late in the second quarter after picking off a Justin Herbert pass intended for Quinten Johnston, and Daniel Jones capitalized on the turnover by leading the Colts' offense on a nine-play drive that resulted in a 36-yard field goal from Michael Badgley. It was Cross's first interception of the 2025 regular season and the fifth of his four-year NFL career. The 2022 third-rounder is up to 53 tackles (33 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and three pass defenses through the first seven games of the regular season.

Cross finished Sunday's 31-27 win over Arizona with five tackles (four solo).

One of Cross's tackles went for a loss, as he brought down RB Michael Carter in the backfield on the final play of the first quarter. The five total stops were the fewest of the campaign so far for Cross, which highlights how productive he's been. Cross has 47 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, through six games this season.

Cross recorded seven total tackles (three solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 40-6 win over the Raiders.

Cross was able to reach at least seven takedowns for the fourth game in a row, finishing tied for second on the team behind linebacker Austin Ajiake (8). The safety has now registered 41 total tackles (23 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while also adding two passes defensed over five games this year.

Cross logged 14 tackles (six solo), including 0.5 sacks, during the Colts' 27-20 loss to the Rams on Sunday.

Cross played every single snap for the second time in four games and finished as the game's leading tackler while combining with Adetomiwa Adebawore for a nine-yard sack on Matthew Stafford midway through the third quarter. Cross is now up to 34 tackles through four games, which leads the Colts and is tied for 13th most in the NFL.

Cross recorded seven tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 41-20 win at Tennessee.

Cross played 61 of the Colts' 65 defensive snaps in Week 3, and he turned in another good performance, tying for the team lead in tackles. He's well on his way to another 100-tackle season through three games, keeping him solidly on the IDP radar heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Rams.

Cross had six total tackles and a sack in Sunday's win over Miami.

Cross started at safety opposite Cam Bynum and played on 38 of the defense's 47 snaps. After recording just one sack in his previous three seasons, Cross' use on a blitz could be a good sign for his fantasy value. He had just six tackles, but the Indy defenese was barely on the field in a blowout win.

Cross (hip) did not appear on the Colts' injury report Wednesday.

Cross was battling a hip issue during the preseason, but he's now all set to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Dolphins. The safety played in all 17 regular-season contests with the team in 2024, recording an impressive 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding five passes defensed, three of which were interceptions.

Cross (hip) did not practice Wednesday, but he could be seen running and doing change-of-direction drills, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Cross missed practice last week and didn't play in Saturday's preseason game. He'll likely be held out of the final preseason game, but is making progress to be ready for the start of the regular season. The 2022 second-round pick broke out with 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, including three interceptions, and one forced fumble while playing all 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Cross (hip) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss to Green Bay.

Cross is dealing with a hip flexor and has missed time in practice the past week. The 2022 second-round pick broke out with 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, including three interceptions, and one forced fumble while playing all 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Cross (hip) is not participating in Sunday's practice, Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis reports.

Cross is dealing with a hip flexor, and he has just under one week to get healthy ahead of Saturday's preseason matchup against the Packers on Aug. 16. The 2022 second-round pick broke out with 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, including three interceptions, and one forced fumble while playing all 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Cross tallied 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, with three interceptions, and one forced fumble over 17 games in 2024.

The third-year pro from Maryland experienced a significant jump in production during his first full season as a starter, setting career highs in total tackles, sacks, passes defended and interceptions while playing 1,111 defensive snaps. Cross finished as the Colts' second-leading tackler, with his 146 stops ranking ninth in the NFL in 2024. His three interceptions also tied Julian Blackmon and Kenny Moore for the most on the Colts' defense. Cross is entering the final season of his rookie deal in 2025, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent. He's expected to continue starting on the Colts' defense next season, serving as one of the team's top playmakers in the secondary.

Cross recorded seven total tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.

Cross finished Sunday's loss as the Colts' second-leading tackler, trailing Zaire Franklin's impressive 14-stop performance. The Maryland product has been productive in his first full season as a starter in Indianapolis, recording 138 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble over 16 appearances. Despite the Colts' defensive struggles, Cross has remained a bright spot and is expected to continue making plays when the Jaguars travel to Indianapolis in Week 18.

Cross registered five total tackles (three solo) and an interception in Sunday's 31-13 loss to Denver.

Cross was able to secure his third interception of the season, picking off Bo Nix in the third quarter. The safety has stepped into a starting role in 2024, making the most of his opportunity. Cross has now compiled 130 total tackles (80 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding four passes defensed, three of which were interceptions, and a forced fumble over 14 games.

Cross recorded nine tackles (eight solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 25-24 win at New England.

Sunday's game was Cross' fifth with nine-plus tackles over the last seven games, and the sack was his first as a pro. He's second in the league in tackles behind teammate Zaire Franklin ahead of the Colts' bye in Week 14.

Cross recorded 14 tackles (six solo), including two for a loss, in Sunday's 24-6 defeat to the Lions.

The safety has played on nearly every defensive snap this season and is second only to his teammate, Zaire Franklin, in the NFL in tackles with 116 (Franklin has 123). Cross also has three pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Cross recorded 12 tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills.

Cross has been on a tear this season, as the 2022 second-round pick has played almost every defensive snap, recording 98 tackles (60 solo), two interceptions and a forced fumble through 10 games. An elite athlete who's just 23 years old in his third NFL season, Cross appears to have massive upside and big days ahead.

Cross finished with 10 tackles (seven solo), a pass breakup and an interception in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings.

The safety also played on every defensive snap for the eighth time in nine games. Cross is tied for fourth in the league with 86 tackles (53 solo). The third-year pro also has three passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Cross recorded nine total tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 16-10 win over Miami.

Cross finished tied for third on the team in tackles with fellow safety Julian Blackmon, reaching at nine tackles for the fourth time this season. Cross has now produced 69 total tackles (42 solo), an interception, a forced fumble and two passes defensed over seven games in 2024.

Cross logged eight tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 20-17 win over the Titans.

Cross was the Colts' second-leading tackler Sunday behind Zaire Franklin (nine). Cross has played at least 55 defensive snaps in all six regular-season games and has played 100 percent of the Colts' defensive snaps in five of six contests. He's up to 60 combined tackles on the year, which is tied for fourth-most in the NFL with Franklin, Budda Baker and E.J. Speed.

Cross had five total tackles and an interception in Sunday's loss at Jacksonville.

Cross didn't pile up the tackle totals of his first three games (39 total tackles), but came up with an interception. Cross should get plenty of tackle opportunities if the Indy defense continues to struggle against the run.

Cross recorded 10 total tackles (six solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 21-16 win over the Bears.

Cross was able to reach double-digit takedowns for the third week in a row to open the 2024 campaign. Through three contests, the safety has compiled 39 tackles (24 solo) and a pass defensed while operating as the starting free safety for Indianapolis.

Cross recorded 15 total tackles (10 solo) in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Packers.

Cross was able to pace the team in tackles for the second straight week, securing a new career-high 15 tackles versus Green Bay. Through two games this season, the safety has compiled an impressive 29 total tackles (11 solo) and he appears to be on his way to a big year in Indianapolis.

Cross recorded 14 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Texans.

Cross was able to beat out Rodney Thomas for the starting free safety job in training camp and proved why in Week 1. His 14 stops were a single-game career-high and may put him on the IDP radar. It'll be worth monitoring his performance in the weeks ahead, starting with Week 2 against the Packers.

Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Tuesday that Cross will start at safety across from Julian Blackmon during Sunday's regular-season opener against the Texans, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Cross entered training camp as the favorite to earn a starting safety gig alongside Blackmon. He spent most of the 2023 campaign as a special-teams contributor before stepping up as a started on defense during the final three games of the season. In those three contests, Cross averaged 6.0 tackles (3.0 solo)

Cross started at free safety opposite Julian Blackmon at strong safety in Thursday's preseason win over the Bengals. He had one tackle. Cross was used at strong safety in Tuesday's practice with Blackmon at free safety, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Cross entered training camp as the leader for the free safety job and it looks like he's still set to start opposite Blackmon at either position. Rodney Thomas and Ronnie Harrison Jr. could also figure into the mix as well, but it looks like Cross will get the starting nod after Thursday's game.

Cross remains the leader for the starting free safety job, but Rodney Thomas is getting an occasional look with the starters, and Ronnie Harrison Jr. is also getting some first-team reps in training camp, Kevin Bowen of 93.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Cross began last season playing mostly on special teams, but stepped into a starting role for the final three games of the season due to an injury to Julian Blackmon and made a strong impression. Cross doesn't have the starting job wrapped up, however, as Thomas could still be a factor.

Cross appears to have have the lead in Indanapolis' free safety competition so far during OTAs, Kevin Bowen of 1075thefan.com reports.

There is still a long way to go, to be sure, but Cross is getting more reps with the first team during OTAs. He is competing with Rodney Thomas and Daniel Scott (knee) for the opportunity to start alongside strong safety Julian Blackmon in the secondary. Cross started just two games in 2023, but he did suit up for 17 games. The 22-year-old finished the year with 39 tackles (24 solo).

Cross will have an opportunity to earn the starting free safety job this season, according to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Cross will be competing with Rodney Thomas and Daniel Scott (knee) for who starts at safety next to Julian Blackmon this season. The Maryland product saw more opportunities during his second NFL campaign in 2023, which led to him totaling 39 combined tackles and an interception. However, to earn the role he'll have to unseat Thomas, who started all 15 games for the Colts last season.

Cross racked up 39 tackles (24 solo), two pass breakups and one interception across 17 regular-season games with the Colts in 2023.

Cross began his sophomore season playing mostly on special teams, but he increased his role on defense after Indianapolis' bye in Week 11, then stepped into a starting role for the final three games of the season due to an injury to Julian Blackmon (shoulder). Blackmon is now slated for free agency, so there's a possible path for Cross to take on a larger defensive role during the 2024 campaign, especially considering that he performed solidly in limited action in 2023.

Cross will take over as a starting safety with Julian Blackmon (shoulder) on Indianapolis' injured reserve list, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Blackmon won't be eligible to come back until the week of the AFC Championship at the earliest, so Cross will likely start for the Colts from here on out. In 55 snaps Sunday at Atlanta, he recorded five tackles (four solo).

Cross had two tackles while limited to special teams in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

Cross played 18 snaps on special teams but didn't play on defense. He'll be a depth safety and special teams player barring injuries in the secondary.

Cross played just one snap on defense and five snaps on special teams.

Cross, a third-round 2022 draft pick, began the season as the starter at strong safety and played on every defensive snap Week 1. However, he was replaced by Rodney McLeod as a starter. It looks like Cross may be stuck on the bench while being developed. However, he could be more of a factor Week 4 if Julian Blackmon missed time with a sprained ankle.

Cross started at strong safety and had four tackles in Sunday's tie at Houston.

Cross, a third-round 2022 draft pick, was thrust into a larger role after the surprise retirement of Khari Willis. He held his own in pass coverage as he allowed all three passes thrown his way to be completed but gave up just 189 total yards, according to Pro Football Focus.

Cross is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Colts' first depth chart of the preseason.

Cross, a third-round 2022 draft pick, has been thrust into a larger role after the surprise retirement of Khari Willis. He's been splitting first-team work with Rodney McLeod, but by all accounts is having a strong camp and looks like the favorite to begin the regular season starting opposite Julian Blackmon.

The Colts selected Cross in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 96th overall.

Cross is a missile out of Maryland at 6-foot, 212 pounds with 4.34 speed, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him as a viable starter at safety in the near future. For the time being, he might be somewhat redundant to Khari Willis, who, like Cross, probably fits better in the box than far downfield. Size and speed like Cross' usually finds a way on the field somehow, even if primarily on special teams initially.