Colts CB Malik Hooker to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Meniscus Tear

"Next Man Up" might as well be the mantra of the 2019 Indianapolis Colts.

After one of the more famous retirement's of all time weakened the Colts offense in August, the defense will now be without cornerback Malik Hooker for an extended period of time.

The former 15th overall pick is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after tearing his meniscus during the team's 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Hooker missed much of the game's third quarter while being examined by the medical staff but returned in the fourth quarter.

Despite the lack of serious concern regarding the injury, there's a chance that the Colts could put the 23-year-old on Injured Reserve. However, that would force the team to be without Hooker for at least eight weeks, though he'd have a chance to return down the stretch.

Indianapolis will now turn to 2019 fourth round pick Khari Willis to step up in Hooker's absence.

Willis has been productive in three games this season, earning 11 tackles while playing in 39% of the defensive snaps.

In his short career, injuries have been a problem for Hooker. He's dealt with ligament tears in his knee and a foot injury in the prior two seasons.

Perhaps the next few weeks will serve as an audition for Willis prove himself as a long-term piece for the Colts.