Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler recently spoke about the "long process" it has taken to return from a Lisfranc injury that cost him his rookie season.
Hunter Wohler had a rookie training camp that dreams are made of.
Despite being a seventh-round draft pick, the Indianapolis Colts had high hopes for their late-round rookie. Wohler was in the mix to see serious playing time at the strong safety position, but also as the team's dime linebacker.
He quickly grew out of participating in the team's "developmental periods" at camp, during which the lowest members of the roster got live team reps. Wohler intercepted quarterback Jason Bean during the Colts' very first developmental-period session, and it quickly became apparent to the coaches that those reps would be better suited to someone else.
Then, there were the Colts' few days in Baltimore, where they had a joint practice against the Ravens. In the final session of 11-on-11s, Wohler intercepted two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson while running with the first-team defense. He then intercepted Cooper Rush on the next series while with the second-team defense. Wohler was playing safety and linebacker, respectively, when he made each play.
A week later, in the Colts' preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 16, Wohler's season came to an end before it truly began, as a Lisfranc injury in his foot required surgery that kept him out for the entire year. Even at the conclusion of the Colts' regular season in early January, Wohler was at least occasionally wearing a walking boot.
Indianapolis Colts safetyHunterWohler(30) dives on a loose ball on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar "That's a long process. Really long," Wohler told reporters recently. "Hard to stay patient, but you definitely learn to grow in different ways. Mentally, spiritually, you have to find other things to make you happy, because, obviously, you play this game your whole life, and this is your passion, this is your joy. So you definitely have to learn how to go without it for a little bit."
Wohler mentioned how he became a bit of a reader while injured to occupy some of his thoughts.
"But I wouldn't trade it for anything because there's learning in everything we do," Wohler continued. "So, there was a reason for the injury, and now we can get back to doing what we love."
Wohler has been able to get back on the field more often recently, as he was seen running sprints in the Colts' indoor facility in April. The Colts are in the middle of their offseason program now.
"We're getting there. We're real close," Wohler said when asked about his official return to the field. "Yeah, I feel good. Body feels good. I'm just excited to get back on the field. I'm excited to get back playing, get around the guys. Just have some fun."
As to whether Wohler expects to be on the field when the Colts commence training camp at Grand Parks Sports Campus in Westfield, IN in late July, he responded, "For sure. For sure."
Whether Wohler could get on the field even sooner during OTAs or the veteran minicamp in June, he replied, "Like I said, we'll just keep doing our thing. When the time's right, we'll be good to go."
The Colts drafted safety A.J. Haulcy in the third round of this year's draft. Although the assumption is that he will start at some point, perhaps right away, the Colts are still eager to get Wohler on the field in whatever capacity they can.