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 appears to be on his way to a big year in Indianapolis.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Reaches double-digit tackles
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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.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Officially named Week 1 starter
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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 starter on defense during the final three games of the season. In those three contests, Cross averaged six tackles (three solo).
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Colts' Nick Cross: Gets start at free safety
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Cross started at free safety opposite Julian Blackmon at strong safety in Thursday's preseason win over the Bengals, recording one solo tackle.
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, as he was notably utilized at strong safety in Tuesday's practice with Blackmon at free safety, per the Indianapolis Star reports. 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.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Leader in safety competition
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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 he 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.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Early lead in safety competition
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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 regular-season games. The 22-year-old finished the year with 39 tackles (24 solo).
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Colts' Nick Cross: Taking on starting role
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Cross will take over as a starting safety due to Julian Blackmon (shoulder) being moved to 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).
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Colts' Nick Cross: Limited to special teams
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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.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Loses starting role
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Cross played just one snap on defense and five snaps on special teams in Sunday's Week 3 win over the Chiefs.
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.
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Colts' Nick Cross: Starts at strong safety
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Cross started at strong safety and had four tackles in Sunday's overtime 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 18 total yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
