Redskins Reportedly Claim Ex-Colts Tackle Xavier Nixon
According to The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Washington Redskins have claimed recently released Indianapolis Colts back-up offensive tackle Xavier Nixon off waivers:
Redskins awarded offensive tackle Xavier Nixon off waivers from the Colts
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 13, 2015
Of course, Nixon was originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent from Florida in the 2013 offseason. He was part of their final roster cuts before being added to the Redskins practice squad shortly after. However, he was poached from the Redskins practice squad by the Colts before ultimately ending up on the Colts active roster during the past two seasons.
Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins offensive tackle Xavier Nixon (61) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Washington Redskins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In two seasons with the Colts, Nixon appeared in 8 games, starting in 2. His most recent start came in Week 16 of this year’s regular season against the Dallas Cowboys, where he clearly struggled as a starting right tackle.
In my opinion, I’m not sure what’s more puzzling:
- That the Redskins had this quick of interest in Nixon.
- That he actually made his flight to Washington, D.C.
All jokes aside, it really does baffle me as to how Nixon could miss the team’s flight to the AFC Championship game this season in what was the team’s biggest game of the year. The team was literally one win away from going to the Super Bowl after all.
Short of an emergency, and there are really no legitimate excuses. The Colts made quick work in releasing Nixon recently, and it may be for the best given his ineffectiveness and lack of overall concern for the team.
While Nixon did show some initial promise as a back-up offensive tackle, he never really made much of an impact and was declared inactive after his AFC Championship travel gaffe. The Colts will look to find additional offensive tackle depth this offseason with Nixon now finding a new home in the nation’s capital.