It's always nice to see a familiar face back at the Colts complex.
Per Phil Wilson's lovely Tweet, the Colts have re-signed one-time starting linebacker Tyjuan Hagler. to make room for Hagler on the active roster, the team has (finally!) cut tight end Gijon Robinson.
Hagler was the Colts starting strongside linebacker to start the 2009 season. However, a biceps injury sustained after the 49ers game last year cost him the rest of the season. Philip Wheeler stepped in and played SAM backer the rest of the season.
Interesting note: Wheeler was named the starter at SAM prior to Week One last season only to lose that job to Hagler. When Hagler got injured, Wheeler got his old job back. Is signing Hagler a sign that the Colts are having doubts about Wheeler? Maybe. Hagler can play all three linebacker positions in the Colts defense, including WILL backer where the Colts have been hit a bit by the injury bug. He's also a good special teams player.
With Gijon Robinson released, this seems to back-up Paul Kuharsky's report that the Colts truly hope to get Kavell Conner back at some point this season. Many of us wondered why Robinson even made the final cut to 53 after pre-season. Brody Elridge was seemingly drafted to replace him, and during pre-season it was pretty clear Eldridge was better. Robinson was a decent pass catching tight end, but a below-average blocker.
Glad to have Tyjuan back with the team! I was sad that the Colts did not tender him an offer this off-season. He's a good player, and can help this team win football games.