Former Colts OT Charlie Johnson Signs With Vikings

The Colts won’t have Charlie Johnson to kick around any more.   The veteran offensive tackle, who was one of many bodies that the Colts tried at left tackle since Tarik Glenn retired in 2007, signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings today, according to the Washington Post.   After plummeting to near the bottom of the league in rushing last season, the Colts have focused on the offensive line this spring and summer, but the lockout and contract talks have delayed the development of draft picks Ben Ijalana and Anthony Castonzo.   The general sentiment over the last week was that Indy would find a way to keep Johnson while jettisoning Ryan Diem, but after Diem re-signed yesterday, Johnson walked today.     With Johnson, the Colts at least had a still-prime player with experience at multiple positions, even if LT wasn’t his forte.  Now, the team will field a line full of inexperienced and misplaced players, with little time left  to fix the holes.

Oh, Peyton’s aching neck!