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The Indianapolis Colts today announced that they have signed running back Daniel "Boom" Herron from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad and free agent linebacker Andy Studebaker, both to the active 53-man roster. They had two spots open from placing Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve and releasing fullback Robert Hughes. The Colts still have one spot open on their practice squad from releasing Kerwynn Williams, and it could be that they are waiting for Hughes to clear waivers and then place him on the practice squad.
But that's just speculation. What isn't speculation is the two players the Colts signed to bring their roster up to 53, Daniel Herron and Andy Studebaker. Herron (5-10, 212 pounds) was taken by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. He has appeared in 3 games for them and was signed by the Colts off of their practice squad. In his career, he has carries the ball 4 times for 5 yards, recorded 4 special teams tackles, and blocked a punt. He played collegiately at Ohio State, where he was a very good back for the Buckeyes and a great contributer.
Studebaker (6-3, 248 pounds) has played in 70 career games (starting 8), all with the Kansas City Chiefs, from 2008-2012. For his career, he has notched 51 tackles, 2.5 sacks, batted down 5 passes, picked 2 off, recovered 2 fumbles and forced 1. Perhaps most impressive, however, is that he has recorded 45 special teams tackles in his career. He was released by the Chiefs on April 1, 2013.
Herron was signed to be the team's third running back behind Trent Richardson and Donald Brown. He probably will get some playing time with the team, although it may not be this week (unless they really need him). But don't think that this was just a move for a guy who will never play, because although Richardson and Brown will get the overwhelming majority of the carries, Herron should see at least a little time and provides depth that the team really needed at the position.
Studebaker could contribute at linebacker, certainly, but the hope is that he contributes on special teams, the way he has in his career so far. If the Colts can get that type of help on special teams, it would be huge.