Earlier today, the Colts made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles (who else?) and sent them kicker Cody Parkey in exchange for running back David Fluellen. The team also released running back Phillip Tanner - and, of course, we've covered that roster move already.
In keeping with the spirit of preseason and the constant roster shuffling, however, those weren't the only roster moves the Colts made today. They made another move tonight, and while it's just a minor move, it's worth noting anyway. The Colts signed linebacker Robert Ruggiero and waived-injured linebacker Shawn Loiseau. As always, if Loiseau clears waivers, he will revert to the team's injured reserve.
The Colts brought Ruggiero in as a try-out player this past May during rookie minicamp. He played collegiately at Bridgewater State University last year, where he recorded 44 tackles (23 for loss) and was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year (yeah, I know, long title for a recognition). He also racked up 12 sacks, 7 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 blocked kicks. Before playing at Bridgewater State during his senior season, he played at Springfield College, and combined during his four years of college football, Ruggiero stood out by racking up 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks.
As far as Loiseau, the team brought him back earlier this month after he had played five games in the Arena Football League. He spent some time on and off again in offseason and camp with the Colts last year, and then he came back this year to appear in two preseason games and camp. While he was very unlikely to make the team, an injury ends any chance at that. If he clears waivers, he'll revert to the team's IR.
Ruggiero is unlikely to stick around past preseason, although the Colts aren't done looking for pass rushers in Robert Mathis' absence. Bjoern Werner and Jonathan Newsome look good so far, but if Ruggiero really impresses with his pass rush skills, he's got a shot. Most likely, however, he's just around for the preseason.