The trade deadline came and went today, and to nobody's surprise the Colts didn't make a trade. In fact, they didn't even fill their remaining roster spot with a wide receiver. Instead, they signed tight end Weslye Saunders to bring the roster to 53. They also signed offensive tackle Xavier Nixon, waived yesterday, to the practice squad.
Saunders was with the Colts in the offseason before he was suspended for the first 8 games of the year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. As a result, the Colts released him shortly before training camp began. As we are now on to week 9 in the NFL season (it is going by so fast!!), Saunders's suspension is served and he is eligible to play. So the Colts brought him back.
It actually makes a bit of sense, but then it also doesn't. Allow me to explain. It makes sense from the standpoint that the Colts are without Dwayne Allen, which was a huge loss, and Coby Fleener is going to step up even more time now in the receiving game in Reggie Wayne's absence. The blocking tight end duties have gone between Jack Doyle and Dominique Jones for much of the year, but Jones was released recently. It makes sense, then, that the Colts brought back Saunders.
But is Saunders much of an upgrade over Doyle and Jones? Obviously we will find out soon, but I'm always hesitant signing a guy who missed the first 8 weeks and was border-line to make the roster anyways to replace guys who have been playing all year. I'm just not sure this move helps the Colts that much, but again - we shall see.
Additionally, the Colts signed OT Xavier Nixon to their practice squad. He was signed by the Colts from the Redskins' practice squad four weeks ago and was inactive in all four games with the Colts before being released yesterday. Today they signed him to the practice squad. And one last note on the roster moves, the Colts released defensive back Daxton Swanson from injured reserve.
Nothing too major for the Colts today - the trade deadline came and passed, they re-signed a tight end who I don't see being that big of an addition, they signed an offensive tackle to the practice squad, and they released a safety from IR. Several moves today, but nothing like what many wondered (hoped) might happen. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.