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Colts begin to sign players to practice squad; Matt Giordano waived

The last few seasons, one of the best special teams players on the Colts was safety Matt Giordano. Giordano was also one of the fastest players on the team PERIOD, and he had a knack for delivering big hits (like the one he placed on a Bears tight end in the Super Bowl). However, despite Giordano's contributions on special teams, the Colts decided to release him today and in his place sign former Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco.

You all might remember Francisco as the safety who was covering Santonio Holmes on his game winning TD in last year's Super Bowl. According to Mike Chappell at the Indy Star:

Francisco’s forte is special teams. He was the Cardinals’ special-teams captain the last two seasons and ranked second on the team with 18 tackles in 2008.

Francisco has some big shoes to fill. Colts fans very much liked Giordano as a safety and as a special teamer. Tip to hoosier in sodak for the FanPost.

The Colts have also started signing players to their practice squad. From my friends at 6 Verges et les Buts, a Montreal-based NFL fan site, have informed me that Sam Giguere was signed to the practice squad. Also signed to the practice squad were John Gill, Colin Cloherty, Mike Hart, John Matthews, Jaimie Thomas, and Taj Smith.

Mike Hart to the practice squad is a bit of a surprise to me, but it says the team is not ready to give up on him this season.

Indy also claimed linebacker Cody Glenn, who was cut by the Washington Redskins. No word yet on who was cut from the active roster to make room for Glenn. Tip to nmbrthry for the FanPost. Also, no word on Adrian Grady possibly signing onto Indy's practice squad. By my count, the colts have seven signed, leaving one spot open.

Practice Squad:

John Gill, DT
Colin Cloherty, TE
Mike Hart, RB
John Matthews, WR
Jaimie Thomas, OG
Taj Smith, WR
Sam Giguere, WR
[UPDATE] Cody Glenn, LB

[UPDATE]: Cody Glenn was signed to the practice squad, not the active roster. Thus, the practice squad is set, and it does not include Adrian Grady or this year's 4th round pick Terrance Taylor.

[UPDATE]: Colts.com informs us that Matt Giordano was cut to make room for Cody Glenn on the active roster. This means there is one more open spot of the PS.

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No Taylor?

Still haven’t signed Taylor to the PS? Wow. Talk about a bust. So are we still on the hook for all/part of his rookie contract?

by nmbrthry on Sep 6, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions  

What a joke

He wasnt only the guy who was covering him on that touchdown pass, hes also the guy that slipped and missed a tackle that led to them getting near the goal line on a big play. I dont like the guy.

by ColtsUK on Sep 6, 2009 6:46 PM EDT reply actions  

so what

He’s not ever going to see the field at safety. This is a special teams move.

I would assume that claiming a Linebacker means Keiaho will go. 7 was already a lot, 8 would just be ridiculous.

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Giordano had potential

this guy doesnt. And it doesnt seem that big of an upgrade to me. Id rather have someone who can develop as a safety and be a decent STer then this guy whos awful at safety and a good STer

by ColtsUK on Sep 6, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did you watch a lot of Cards games, or just the Super Bowl?

Just curious. I have no idea about the guy. All I remember is the Holmes play, which didn’t strike me as terrible coverage, especially for a safety.

Giordano was no star. You’ll recall that they already cut him once. He has also been around for several years. His ceiling as a safety has been reached, and he was the fifth guy in line out of five, having been passed by Silva. He missed an awful lot of tackles this preseason too. Doesn’t matter how fast you are if you still whiff the tackles.

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just the superbowl

But on that drive, he cost them two vital plays, firstly holmes getting into the 5 yard line and then holmes scoring the touchdown.

I liked Giodano, maybe I wasnt watching him closely enough but I thought the guy was alright

by ColtsUK on Sep 6, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I liked him too

But he was hardly a big star. Francisco is apparently a very good ST player. I’m all for upgrading that area of the team.

Can’t speak for the previous play, but I blame the other two Cards in the corner on that TD, though. He got behind both of them. Francisco pretty much did what a safety does, which was get over there from his position and hit the guy. At worst he was a step slow. But it’s clear that Holmes wasn’t his primary responsibility, given the presence of the corner there that got beat.

Not important, though. He’s the fifth safety. I’ll be shocked if he ever sees the field.

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s weird going to all the other sites and them being exactly the same but with other people.

I’m surprised there are enough fans of the Cardinals to populate a website. How many of them do you suppose there were back at this time last year?

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

the cubs blog has a somewhat similar color scheme

sometimes when I clicked to another tab I would have to take a second to figure out which one I was at.

It's not just your perceptions that can be wrong. Even your memory is often incomplete or possibly flat out wrong.

by shake n bake on Sep 6, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Glenn

He was said to have lots of of special teams potential before draft. Francisco solid ST guy for Cards. I’d say this is the Caldwell stamp we were all looking for. Special teams more than an after thought with him.

by GonzoBlue on Sep 6, 2009 6:50 PM EDT reply actions  

i like

the wide receiver heavy practice squad since we are only carrying 4 on the active roster. also i thought we cut giordano to sign glenn.

Please, please draft a big Defensive Tackle. Please?

Enter Fili Moala. Thank you Polian

by skywalker on Sep 6, 2009 6:50 PM EDT reply actions  

I actually questioned that a bit

I mean we do need at least a pair with only 4 active, but I’m just not sure that Matthews is worth it.

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Sep 6, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

So happy Hart cleared waivers

I bet he still makes an impact as a Colt. I’m glad they get to keep him.

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 6:52 PM EDT reply actions  

same here

I was pulling for him to stay with us. I really hope he can find a way to stay healthy

by metal_militia on Sep 6, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah it's really nice to know we still have Hart

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Sep 6, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think

We should get rid of that TE or Matthews to make room for both Taylor and Grady. I hope those two can stay. Grady because he is a beast and Taylor becuase he was one of our draft picks and he was regarded as something that was very different from the norm mamking him a project player

by metal_militia on Sep 6, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions  

+1

Matthews isn’t necessary. I would like Grady and Taylor on the practice squad, but even just one of them would be nice.

"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"

by AceOfSpades on Sep 6, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed.

"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi

by gizzardfanny on Sep 7, 2009 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

no offense intended...

but how big a beast could Grady be? He got cut…

"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado

by TRDean on Sep 8, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

He was a beast...

I’m stunned… nearly offended that he was not only cut but allowed to sign to the Patriots practice squad. The latter fact is a total smack in the face. If the Pats are good at anything, it’s scouting solid defensive talent. To get picked up at DT on that team is a compliment. I watched the kid in four games and the following were true, period:

Things you can see on tape/on the field but not in the stat sheet:

1) He, more than any other defensive lineman, stopped the run by making solo tackles, misdirecting the ball carrier, or plugging holes in running lanes.
2) He, more than any other defensive lineman, held the line on goal-line stands, allowing our LBs and safeties to make the tackle.
3) He, more than any other defensive lineman, generated pressure on the quarterback by creating penetration. The penetration flushed the pocket, disrupted plays, and wreaked havoc in general.
4) He, more than any other defensive lineman, showed power, speed, and pass rush capability.

Things you can see on the stat sheet (which defensive linemen were making tackles?)

Adrian Grady – 8-6
J. Thomas – 5-1
Cu. Johnson – 5-0
Daniel Muir – 4-5
Ru. Hardie – 4-1
Key Dawson – 3-1
Marcus Howard – 3-0
Ed Johnson – 3-0
Fili Moala – 2-0
John Gill – 1-3
R. Mathis – 1-0
D. Freeney – 1-0
T. Taylor – 0-3
E. Foster – 0-1
A. Johnson – 0-1

NOTE: Defensive end tackles can be a bit misleading. Unless defensive ends make a sack, it’s possible that the play is made from the “side” or behind, meaning 3-5 yards or more are given up. Particularly with our defensive ends who, in most cases, have more speed to catch up to plays. I watched Grady and can tell you that almost all of his tackles were made at the line of scrimmage or within 3 yards of it. It should be noted that Grady had limited time on the field in most of the games, other than the preseason finale, and did not register a tackle in the third game at all. He doubled the tackle totals of Muir who saw the field longer and more often.

by bamock on Sep 8, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

I still don’t get keeping Gill (or Cloherty, or Matthews…) but not Grady or Taylor.

by nmbrthry on Sep 6, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Grady and Taylor

maybe other teams are interested so their agents are trying to work a deal first…if it doesn’t work out then Gill should go along with Matthews

"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"

by AceOfSpades on Sep 6, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Gill

Bill Polian likes him, I think. BP had some very kind words about the heart Gill showed in the Cincy game thursday.
$1.95 million contract for Glenn to sit on the practice squad?

by oldecoltsfan on Sep 6, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Just curious about Howard

Did he get picked up somewhere else? Yesterday everyone was up in arms about his loss and now we’re not interested in keeping him on the PS? I would like to see him stick around but who knows.

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Sep 6, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Howard isn't eligible for

the practice squad. He was active for far too many weeks.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is how I fell in love with Family Guy. Only 1 question: Where did he get the flamethrower?

by Cassieper on Sep 6, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

right right

i knew that

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Sep 6, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm also still hoping they get a potential LT on the PS

"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."

by psvirsky on Sep 6, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Colts.com on Glenn says . . .

 . . .Giordano was waived to make room on the 53 man roster for Glenn. Did I read that wrong?

by oldecoltsfan on Sep 6, 2009 7:20 PM EDT reply actions  

You're right

KFFL had Cody on the practice squad.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by Brad Wells on Sep 6, 2009 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well poo

With both Hughes and Giordano cut, there are no more Cal Bears on the Colts. Here’s to hoping that the Colts pic up Jahvid Best next year. /dreaming because Best will never fall to 32 :-)

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Sep 6, 2009 7:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

And dreaming because the Colts taking a running back in the first round means that Ricky Williams got to Addai or Brown. I’d say Tyson Alualu has a better chance of being a Colt next year.

"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg

by Colts Homer on Sep 6, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd be down for that, too :-)

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Sep 6, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

LOL

Ricky Williams getting to Addai or Brown.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Sep 6, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Since Glenn AND Francisco are on the 53-man . . . .

 . . . .and we have only heard about Giordano being cut, when does the other shoe drop?

by oldecoltsfan on Sep 6, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Hopefully soon

And on Freddie Keiaho.

"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg

by Colts Homer on Sep 6, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am kind of hoping

that it’s Andrus. Mostly because that signals confidence in Vini.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is how I fell in love with Family Guy. Only 1 question: Where did he get the flamethrower?

by Cassieper on Sep 6, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

*crosses fingers*

"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi

by gizzardfanny on Sep 7, 2009 3:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

Coe

Looks like Coe was waived/got an injury settlement, according to Rotoworld.

by nmbrthry on Sep 6, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

These guys interest me

Beau Bell – Didn’t get a chance to watch him with the Browns, but I remember him being highly rated in the draft. Went in the 4th round.

Joe Toledo – Good size (6-5, 330), listed as a guard/tackle. Couldn’t stick on the 49ers, so maybe not so much….

Mike Jefferson – Released from Dallas. Is this the same guy we went head-to-head against Dallas for a few years back?

by Addai Another Aday on Sep 6, 2009 7:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Get rid of John Matthews and pick up Taylor and Grady

"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg

by Colts Homer on Sep 6, 2009 7:34 PM EDT reply actions  

I know I'm obsessing, but . . .

 . . .Colts.com does not mention Francisco. Mike Chappelle of the Star broke that story.
I know Polian is very deft at this stuff, and he sure has me confused. So far 2 guys have been added, and just one subtracted.
Oh well . . .I AM an olde Colts fan, after all. Comes with the turf.

by oldecoltsfan on Sep 6, 2009 7:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Who backs up Brackett?

Anyone else concerned about this?

by centauri on Sep 6, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Every time...

I see that I get this profound sense of dread…. just saying

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."

PEYTON MANNING

by cscott5527 on Sep 6, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

I only watched the first half against Detroit...

but it looked like he played the position well. You could tell he was really focusing on his positioning and responsibilities, which I think made him a step slow to a couple of ball carriers, but he seemed OK in general. Not bad for it not being his natural spot.

But isn’t Senn the backup MLB?

by willyduer on Sep 6, 2009 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nobody who backs up Brackett

will be good enough. Brackett is one of the most underrated players in the league. Without him, we’re toast, no matter who’s backing him up.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is how I fell in love with Family Guy. Only 1 question: Where did he get the flamethrower?

by Cassieper on Sep 6, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

but keiaho is awful

he’s really, really, REALLY bad in coverage. i’d rather have a giant douche than a shit sandwich any day, and make no mistake about it, keiaho is a shit sandwich.

by saintnixon on Sep 7, 2009 2:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

agreed

Our linebacker core is the weakest point of the team I think. Bracketts great, but the rest of them are pretty lackluster. If we lose Brackett our defence is going to get raped on a weekly basis.

by ColtsUK on Sep 7, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Disagree

I think Session has pro-bowl potential and I think Hagler would be a solid SAM. Wheeler would be a good situational pass rusher and backup SAM.

I am afraid that the backup MLB situation is not very good at all.

However, I am impressed with Humber and I look forward to his progress.

"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"

by AceOfSpades on Sep 7, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

I think Session could break-out this year. Seward would be the no-brainer better option as back-up Mike. Wheeler showed me nothing in preseason and I know what we have in Hagler. He’ll be average, most likely, but rarely a liability. If the defensive tackles step up their play, he could be more than serviceable.

by bamock on Sep 8, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

PS so far...

has about looked like i thought it would but Cloherty, Gill, and Matthews all kind of surprised me. Thought we could get some better value on there.

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."

PEYTON MANNING

by cscott5527 on Sep 6, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Cody Glen ????

Is this the Cody Glen from Nebraska that was suspended and then lied about why to the media? Is this a guy we really want??

by hagarwood on Sep 7, 2009 7:47 AM EDT reply actions  

is he any worse than Ed Johnson?

I’d rather have a guy who scalped some tickets and lied about it than a guy kicked off the team for fighting and repeatedly breaking team rules.

It's not just your perceptions that can be wrong. Even your memory is often incomplete or possibly flat out wrong.

by shake n bake on Sep 7, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

re: worse than Ed Johnson

Actually Cody said he scalped tickets and Neb. decided to investigate that. He then admitted that he lied about that so “the media would leave him alone”. So we don’t know why he was suspended, but we know that lying was stupid and the rumors go on. Ed had a very checkered past at Penn State, but seems to have been up front about it and seems on a better track now – I’d rather give him the benefit of the doubt.

by hagarwood on Sep 7, 2009 7:22 PM EDT reply actions  

And that's

our weekly math lesson here at Stampede Blue.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is how I fell in love with Family Guy. Only 1 question: Where did he get the flamethrower?

by Cassieper on Sep 7, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

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