Colts make roster moves

The Indianapolis Colts made some roster moves this afternoon, as they signed outside linebacker Chris Carter, promoted cornerback Frankie Williams from the practice squad, and waived outside linebacker Trevor Bates and tackle Jeremy Vujnovich.

Carter was with the Colts for a brief stint in 2014, and in his NFL career he has played in 53 games and started four, recording 14 tackles, a pass defensed, two fumble recoveries, and 17 special teams tackles. The Pittsburgh Steelers originally drafted him in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he spent the first three years of his career with the team (2011-2013). Since then, he’s spent time with the Colts (2014), the Cincinnati Bengals (2014-2015), and the Baltimore Ravens (2015-2016). The Ravens just released him this week after he had played in the first five games this season with the team. The move to sign Carter is likely in response to the struggles the position has had so far this year, and while he isn’t the answer to the issues, it’s likely the Colts are just trying to find guys who can stick and make an impact - and they’re at least somewhat familiar with Carter.

As for Frankie Williams, he was a standout of preseason for the team as an undrafted free agent out of Purdue and has been on the team’s practice squad this season. He originally participated in the Colts’ rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis, but then was signed to an UDFA contract shortly thereafter. He produced in preseason and actually made the initial 53-man roster after final cuts, only to be waived soon after as the team signed other corners. During his career at Purdue, he played in 48 games (starting 38) and recorded 227 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, 36 passes defensed, ten picks, and a blocked kick. The signing of Williams is likely motivated by some of the injuries at cornerback, as both Patrick Robinson and Darius Butler missed practice on Thursday for the second straight day, putting their status for Sunday’s game in serious doubt.

To make room for the two, the Colts waived Trevor Bates and Jeremy Vujnovich, both of whom have spent time on the team’s practice squad this year. The Colts have one open practice squad spot due to the promotion of Williams, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one (or both) of the guys waived today get re-signed to the practice squad if they clear waivers.