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Colts Sign Cornerback Rashaan Melvin; Waive Quarterback Stephen Morris

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Rashaan Melvin (5) hauls in a catch during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Rashaan Melvin (5) hauls in a catch during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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While he survived the team’s initial 53-man roster cuts, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Stephen Morris was recently released on Wednesday in order to sign cornerback Rashaan Melvin due to key injuries at the latter position.

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that the team has signed cornerback Rashaan Melvin and waived quarterback Stephen Morris in a corresponding move.

Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Melvin has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriots organizations.

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Rashaan Melvin (38) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card playoff game at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Rashaan Melvin (38) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card playoff game at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The 6’2″, 193 pound cornerback has appeared in 12 games (2 starts) over his 4-year career, recording 33 tackles, 1 pass defensed, and a forced fumble. This past season, Melvin appeared in 9 games with both the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, finishing with 7 tackles.

However, he spent this offseason with the Miami Dolphins, but was released as part of the team’s final 53-man roster cuts. During the Dolphins’ four preseason games, Melvin recorded 6 tackles.

Of course, with injuries to key cornerbacks Vontae Davis, Patrick Robinson, and Darius Butler, the Colts could use additional depth at the position. The Colts need cornerbacks with proven experience, who can contribute immediately if push comes to shove.

However, it comes at the cost of backup quarterback Stephen Morris, who really shined in this year’s preseason. The 24 year old quarterback completed 39 of 61 throws (63.9%) for 531 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, an interception, and a passer rating of 106.1, as well as 8 rushes for 50 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said earlier this week that the team kept Morris initially on their 53-man active roster because the team “didn’t want to lose a good football player”. However, due to injuries elsewhere on the roster, it looks as though the Colts could no longer afford the luxury of carrying a 3rd-string quarterback–at least for this weekend’s opener.

It looks as though Morris is a strong candidate to be stashed on the team’s practice squad; however, should he in fact clear waivers.

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