Malik Hooker Placed on PUP List After Suffering Hamstring Injury During Test

Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker tweaked his hamstring during Monday's conditioning test, and the team placed him on the PUP list Tuesday, according to Kevin Bowen of the team's official website.     

"A further update on the extent of Hooker’s injury should come Sunday, when [head coach] Chuck Pagano meets the media for the first time," noted Bowen, who added that Hooker "could come off of PUP at any time during the preseason."

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, "this is just the team being cautious." 

Hooker fell into the Colts' lap with the 15th overall pick in April's draft. The 21-year-old was a breakout star at Ohio State in 2016 with seven interceptions in 13 games, and he was named a first-team All-American. 

The Colts were more than happy to add Hooker to a secondary that Pro Football Focus' Matt Claassen ranked as the NFL's second-worst last season. 

Injuries were a concern for Hooker heading into the draft after he had surgery to repair a torn labrum and hernia at the end of January. 

Because the Colts don't have depth on defense, especially in the secondary, Hooker's absence is particularly crushing. T.J. Green, who appeared in 15 games as a rookie last season, will likely take over as the primary strong safety.