Colts sign Andy Studebaker, waive Todd Herremans

The Indianapolis Colts today signed outside linebacker Andy Studebaker and waived guard Todd Herremans and inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera.  In addition, they also placed running back Josh Robinson, who is on the practice squad, on injured reserve.  The moves leave the Colts with one open spot on both the active roster and on the practice squad.

Studebaker spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Colts, proving to be one of the best special teams players for the team.  With the Colts struggling in that area this year (they have allowed three return touchdowns, tied for the most in a season in franchise history), it makes perfect sense to bring back a guy who can really help in that area.  Studebaker was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Wheaton, spent time on the Eagles practice squad that year, and then mid-season was signed by the Kanas City Chiefs.  He then spent five seasons in Kansas City (2008-2012) before joining the Colts.  In 94 career games (nine starts), Studebaker has recorded 70 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, 68 special teams tackles, and a touchdown on a fumbled punt snap.  With the Colts, Stude has played in 29 games including the postseason (starting one) and has recorded 21 tackles, a pass defensed, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 29 special teams tackles.  Again, he's a terrific special teams player who should help the Colts in that area.

Todd Herremans was waived in order to make room for him, which brings one of the team's most ineffective offseason signings to an end.  The veteran was signed by Ryan Grigson to be the team's starting right guard, where he remained throughout the offseason, training camp, preseason, and the first two regular season games.  He struggled (and so did the rest of the line), so after week two the Colts made drastic changes.  Herremans was benched, and it led to him even being inactive for several games this season.  A few weeks ago, when Anthony Castonzo and Hugh Thornton both missed, the fact that Herremans still wasn't in the starting lineup (Denzelle Good played tackle and Lance Louis played guard) said all you need to know.  The fact that the Colts have now chosen to waive him, however, could perhaps mean that Anthony Castonzo is ready to return this weekend, as Herremans was one of the team's depth guys along the line.

Also waived was Amarlo Herrera, the Colts' sixth round pick who has spent two different stints on the active roster this year.  He has been on the practice squad for most of the season but has been on the active roster for two different games - assisting on one special teams tackle.  It is likely that he will wind up back on the practice squad if/when he clears waivers, probably taking the spot vacated by Josh Robinson going to injured reserve.  The fact that the team has waived Herrera is probably good news for Jerrell Freeman's status for this weekend's game.