Colts Sign Veteran Safety Andrew Sendejo; Add OL Anthony Coyle to the Practice Squad

The Indianapolis Colts announced a few roster moves on Tuesday, as the team signed veteran safety Andrew Sendejo, while waiving cornerback Chris Wilcox in a corresponding active 53-man roster move to make room.

Sendejo was one of four safeties that the Colts reportedly worked out on Monday, and it looks like he impressed enough during his tryout.

Of course, the Colts desperately needed the additional depth—with just three safeties on their active roster: Julian Blackmon, Khari Willis, and George Odum.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the UFL’s Sacramento Mountain Lions in 2010, the 6’1”, 210 pound safety has also had professional football stops with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns.

The 34 year old has 483 tackles (345 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 23 passes defensed, 9 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries during 124 career games (75 starts).

Sendejo started 14 games for the Browns in 2020, recording 67 tackles (51 solo), 2 passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

Per PFF (subscription), last year, Sendejo earned a +43.8 overall grade. In coverage, he was targeted 43 times for 25 receptions (58.1% reception rate) for 297 reception yards (11.9 ypr. avg.), 5 touchdown receptions, 2 pass breakups, 0 interceptions, and an allowed NFL passer rating of 118.1.

With a wealth of experience, he figures to serve as extra veteran and special teams depth.

In the Colts secondary, Sendejo projects as more of an ‘in-the-box’ strong safety type for Indianapolis than rangy ballhawk—but he’ll be a backup regardless.

It’s worth noting that the Colts also announced the release of another veteran safety, Sean Davis, from the team’s practice squad. The team added offensive lineman Anthony Coyle to their taxi-team in a related roster move.

Coyle was initially signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans in 2018.

He has also been a member of the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons practice squads and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (along with a professional stint with the defunct XFL’s New York Guardians).

He was waived this past early August by the Steelers from their Reserve/Injured list.