Roster Moves: Colts bring in several players for tryouts, release LBs George and Adams

A general manager’s work is never done, especially when that general manager operates on the philosophy that no stone should remain unturned to find competitive talent to bolster a team’s roster. With that mentality, Ballard has continued to churn the Colts’ roster, making more moves and bringing in players for tryouts.

Waived Players

Colts linebacker Jeremiah George has been released and they have also waived Tyrell Adams, who were both on IR. They have received injury settlements and to allow the team to part with them. Neither move is entirely surprising, as both were expected to provide depth on the roster, and George particularly did not stand out among a much younger and faster linebacker group.

Offensive Linemen

We detailed the addition of Sean Harlow here, and Will Holden is cut from the same mold. Holden saw his draft stock rise in the East-West Shrine game and ended up being selected in the 5^th round by the Arizona Cardinals. He was a cutdown casualty a week ago, and now finds himself visiting the Colts. Like Harlow, Holden can play the guard or tackle position.

Linebackers

Nigel Harris is a 23-year-old undrafted free agent linebacker who spent time with the Chargers, Giants, and Buccaneers last season before being waived by the Bucs during cutdowns. He has played in 8 games in his time in his short time in the league.

Jacob Pugh is an option at the SAM linebacker position who spent time with Seattle this offseason. He was signed as an undrafted free agent but was not able to make the final roster in Seattle. Pugh played as a 3-4 rush linebacker, but could be a good fit as depth at the SAM in the Colts’ 4-3 scheme.

Emmanuel Smith is another young linebacker who might be a fit at the SAM role as a depth guy. He has the speed and athleticism coming out of Vanderbilt to be a special teams contributor. He spent the offseason with the Falcons before being released at cuts.

Cornerbacks

Tarvarus McFadden was a much sought after undrafted free agent and signed with the 49ers, spending his camp there. He has the right length and ability to do well at the position, and it is certainly one in need of improvement for the Colts. He would be another player who needs to show an ability to contribute to special teams.

Kalan Reed was the Titans’ 7^th round pick in 2016 and was placed on injured reserve and then released on August 27^th of this year after he broke his foot during practice. He has played in 7 games in his career, but would likely be unable to contribute immediately while recovering from his foot injury.

Herb Waters is a corner who converted from wide receiver during his first season with the Packers in 2016, after signing as an undrafted free agent. He missed the season after a shoulder injury last August and re-signed with the Packers this offseason, but did not survive cuts.

Wide Receiver

Korey Robertson was a coveted undrafted free agent and was signed by the Vikings in the offseason and given a $50,000 signing bonus to entice him there. Given the team’s crowded wide receiver room, it isn’t terribly upsetting to think he couldn’t make the cut, and he could definitely offer improvement for a team like the Colts with a lot of questions at the position.

Robertson is a player who knows how to use his size well, and that matters to Chris Ballard. He isn’t’ the fastest player, so he would need to show an ability to really polish his route running to make himself a role on the team, but he has the measurable to give himself a chance.

There is one commonality among all these players. They are all younger than 25 years old. While players like Johnathan Hankins and Bashaud Breeland sit on the market as free agents, Chris Ballard continues to look for possible additions in young players who can be developed and grown as a part of the team’s long term plan.