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Indianapolis Colts Inevitably Waive Oft-Injured D’Joun Smith

By Kyle Nishida

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Atlantic defensive back D'Joun Smith catches a pass in a work out drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida Atlantic defensive back D'Joun Smith catches a pass in a work out drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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On September 2nd, the Indianapolis Colts waived second-year cornerback D’Joun Smith, which did not shock a lot of people.

This move came one day before the Colts needed to trim their active roster down to 53 players. It basically voices the team’s frustration with Smith’s numerous injury problem.

Ever since they drafted Smith with a third round pick in 2015, he has struggled with the injury bug.

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A knee injury in the 2015 preseason forced the Colts to designation Smith as their one short-term injury reserve player for the regular season. He missed the first eights of the season as a result.

When he returned, he only played in four games and could only assist them on special teams. He barely played on defense because the Colts did not believe he was ready and capable of helping them.

After playing in four straight games, Smith’s knee flared up again and the team shut him down for the rest of the 2015 season.

Entering 2016, Smith was supposed to be a key piece to the Colts’ defense. However, injuries got in the way again.

He was still dealing with complications from his 2015 knee injury. Then, Smith suffered a high ankle sprain that cut into his practice time even further. Smith only played 10 snaps of football this preseason.

Smith’s injuries made his departure from Indianapolis inevitable. Honestly, the Colts probably held on to him longer than they should have because they invested a third round pick on him.

The Colts foolishly tried to be patient with Smith’s injuries. A lesser player with Smith’s same injury problems would have been cut well before September 2nd. Friday, they realized this and cut Smith.

With all the injuries the Colts are dealing with this year, they could not waste another roster spot waiting for Smith to healthy.

Veteran cornerback Vontae Davis and starting safety Clayton Geathers are currently sidelined with injuries. Also, cornerbacks Patrick Robinson, Jalil Brown, Darius Butler and Tevin Mitchel have all been dealing with injuries during the preseason. 

Smith was waived with an injury designation. So, if no team picks him off the waiver wire (which is very likely), Smith will be put on the Colts’ injury reserve list. However, he should not be there for long.

According to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, Smith will “likely reach an injury settlement with the team at a later time.” This move would allow him to become a free agent and find a new home once he heals.

Next: Colts' Rookie T.J. Green Will be Week 1 Starting Safety

D’Joun Smith will not be the only player the Indianapolis Colts part ways with this weekend. The team needs to trim their active roster down to 53 players before 4:00 p.m. ET on September 3rd.

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