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Report: Colts Bring Back Inside Linebacker Nate Irving for a Work Out

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Nate Irving (56) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Nate Irving (56) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, the Indianapolis Colts have brought back inside linebacker Nate Irving for a recent workout, as well as defensive tackle Jordan Hill and linebacker Danny Lansanah:

Originally signed by the Colts to a 3-year, $9.25M deal in the 2015 offseason, Irving appeared in 8 games (2 starts) for Indianapolis last year before being part of the team’s final 53-man roster cuts before the start of this season.

Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Jonathan Williams (40) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Nate Irving (56) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Jonathan Williams (40) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Nate Irving (56) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The 28 year old inside linebacker suffered a season-ending torn ACL in 2014 while with the Denver Broncos, but has yet to fully regain his prior form.

It’s worth noting that the 6th-year veteran missed the final 3 games of last season with a season-ending wrist injury.

Along with released veteran Sio Moore, Irving was expected to be one of the frontrunners to replace departed starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman. However, neither player is even with the team anymore, which speaks to the current state of the position.

Simply put, the Colts have struggled replacing Freeman so far this season.

With Irving and Moore’s release, veteran Josh McNary has made too many mistakes, rookie Antonio Morrison has been much more down than up, and as a result, the team has recently turned to 1st-year inside linebacker Edwin Jackson as their latest attempt to shore up the starting position.

The 6’1″, 253 pound Irving doesn’t play much special teams, which limits his roster flexibility and was a key reason why he was initially released from the 53-man active roster. However, he does know the Colts defensive system–having spent all offseason with the team and has always been highly regarded for at least his run-stopping ability if used situationally.

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jordan Hill (97) celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jordan Hill (97) celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile, initially a 2013 3rd round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Hill was a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion with his former team. The 6’1″, 290 pound defensive tackle has appeared in 27 career games (1 start), recording 31 tackles and 7 sacks in 3 seasons.

Otherwise, Lansanah was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2008 out of Connecticut.

The 6’1″, 235 pound linebacker has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins (2009), Detroit Lions (2009), Hartford Colonials (2010), Las Vegas Locomotives (2011-12), New York Jets (2013), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013-15), and Miami Dolphins (2016).

The 5-year veteran has 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions (including 2 for touchdowns), 12 passes defensed, and a forced fumble in 38 career games (22 starts).

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