Colts Place Clayton Geathers, Jack Mewhort on Injured Reserve Among Roster Moves

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that the team has placed starting safety Clayton Geathers (neck), starting offensive guard Jack Mewhort (knee), and backup outside linebacker Curt Maggitt (knee) on season-ending injured reserve.

In corresponding roster moves, the team signed safety Duke Williams and promoted wide receiver Devin Street from their practice squad–meaning that the Colts still have one open spot on their 53-man active roster.

Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety Duke Williams (27) catches a ball before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

With a miracle needed to make the playoffs, it looks as though the Colts are effectively waving the white flag on the season as far as some of these roster moves are concerned–especially in Geathers’ case.

Obviously, Geathers’ loss is a big one, as although the the Colts can start rookie T.J. Green alongside veteran Mike Adams at safety going forward, the 2nd-year safety was one of their best run-stoppers and playmakers on defense.

Additionally, in the absence of veteran inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to a 4-game suspension, Geathers could’ve potentially mitigated some of his loss by playing as a situational hybrid inside linebacker at times–something that he found great success at in recent games.

Joining him in the significant loss category is Mewhort, who’s arguably the Colts best offensive lineman. While the 3rd-year offensive guard successfully avoided a season-ending knee injury earlier this season, it looks as though he wasn’t as fortunate this time around.

Nov 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Donte Moncrief (10) and tackle Jack Mewhort (75) celebrates his first half touchdown against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

In his absence, expect either Denzelle Good (if healthy) or Jonotthan Harrison to start at guard for the remainder of the season–although rookie Joe Haeg would presumably slide over to left guard if Good were to receive the starting nod over Harrison.

Otherwise, Maggitt’s loss hurts the Colts rotational pass rush and special teams depth, but it likely means that backup outside linebacker Lavar Edwards will no longer be a healthy scratch such as in recent games–effectively taking his place.

Regarding the recently signed Williams, the 5’11”, 201 pound safety was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The 4-year veteran has appeared in 57 career games (10 starts), recording 68 tackles, 5 passes defensed, an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Lastly, the Colts promoted Street from the practice squad. The 3rd-year veteran appeared in 3 games for the Colts this season, having arguably one of the biggest catches of the year with his 20-yard reception against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7’s victory.

The former 5th round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft has appeared in 32 career games (2 starts), recording 10 receptions for 152 total receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

If active on game day, both added players figure to contribute immediately on special teams respectively.

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