Colts sign cornerback Charles James

The Indianapolis Colts have filled their open spot on the 53-man roster by signing cornerback Charles James.

James (5-9, 185 pounds) is probably best known for his Hard Knocks fame from a few years ago, and he’s got quite the inspiring story of trying to make it to the NFL, but his hard work paid off when he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 2013 out of Charleston Southern. He wound up sticking around with the Giants, spending time on the active roster and practice squad in 2013 and playing in 12 games, recording 12 special teams tackles. In 2014, he spent most of the season on the practice squad with the Houston Texans, and then after spending some time on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad to begin the 2015 season he wound up back with the Texans. He played in nine games (starting one) for Houston last year and recorded 14 tackles, a pass defensed,and five special teams tackles. Then this year, he played in 12 games for the Texans and recorded 12 tackles, a pass defensed, and six special teams tackles. He was waived by Houston last week, and in his career he has played in 33 games (starting one) and has recorded 26 tackles, two passes defensed, and 15 special teams tackles.

The move is one that adds depth to the cornerback position for the Colts, also giving them a guy who can contribute on special teams. It fills their final open roster spot, which was opened up earlier this afternoon as the Colts placed Jack Mewhort, Clayton Geathers, and Curt Maggitt on injured reserve. The team signed Duke Williams and Devin Street, and now they’ve filled out the 53-man roster by signing Charles James.