Indianapolis Colts Latest Roster Moves
Dec 8, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Adongo (56) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Just one day after the Indianapolis Colts loss in the preseason opener against the New York Jets, the Colts made a whole group of roster moves as they move forward through injuries and bad performances.
In a statement from the Colts’ official website, the team has signed three free agents: center Thomas Austin, guard Marcus Hall, and receiver Nu’Keese Richardson. To make room for the additions, the Colts waived guard Chad Anderson and waived-injured linebacker Daniel Adongo and defensive tackle Jeris Pendleton. Cornerback Brandon Burton was also waived.
Adongo and Pendleton were the obvious ones due to both players taking significant injuries in Thursday night’s game. If both players clear waivers, they will revert back to the Colts’ injured reserve list.
The move that most stands out in this group is the signing of center Thomas Austin. Austin has had much practice squad experience in the past and in eight career games, including one start. It’s no question that the Austin signing came directly in response to rookie backup center Jonotthan Harrison’s abysmal performance after coming in for an injured Khaled Holmes. While Holmes is projected to be back by Week 1, we got a sneak peak at what a Holmes-less interior game looks like, and it’s not good. Austin will get the opportunity to compete for the backup spot from the get-go, depending on whether he impresses in camp.
Marcus Hall and Nu’Keese Richardson both were resigned after short stints with the team earlier in the offense. Richardson is a prospect in the return game while Hall brings much-needed guard depth. This takes a small weight off the shoulders of Jack Mewhort to perform immediately. Hall will get a long look in the preseason while Richardson will get a few snaps with the third-team offense out wide.
Fans will be sad to see Daniel Adongo not get a chance to compete this year at outside linebacker. The native Kenyan rugby player had no previous football experience before signing with the Colts. Now, the experiment is likely coming to an end as the long term project will be a long shot to make the team next year. Pendleton is waived-injured after making a few contributions in the playoffs last season, recording four tackles in the two games.