Indianapolis Colts Make Roster Moves and Deal With Injuries

As the season rolls on, and the Indianapolis Colts prepare for a road game against the Detroit Lions in week 13, the Colts must make roster moves to compensate for various player injuries. At this point in the season, every team is banged-up. Roster moves this late are like chess games for NFL teams, where pieces fall, and other pieces must be put in to protect that spot.

The Colts placed two defensive tackles on the Injured Reserved list this week. Fili Moala and Josh Chapman will both be gone for the season. Moala was a productive big body when in the starting lineup. Chapman, a rookie who has been battling a knee injury suffered in last year, had recently been added to the regular roster, but doesn’t seem to be ready to play at game speed. To compensate for the loss, the Colts signed defensive tackle Kellen Heard, who has played for three other teams over the past three seasons. Safety Delano Howell was also added to the active roster on Wednesday, which is possibly a move to counteract the reported knee injury to starting safety, Tom Zbikowski.

On the lighter side, tight end Coby Fleener and cornerback Vontae Davis were both at full speed in practice. Both returns are welcome, and will be needed, as the season goes on. Davis especially, will be in the spotlight, as he may be asked to cover top-notch wide receiver Calvin Johnson, when the Colts play the Lions on Sunday.