Colts Sign RB Trey Williams; Place Griff Whalen and Billy Winn on IR

The Indianapolis Colts made a flurry of roster moves Monday, as the team signed running back Trey Williams from the Miami Dolphins practice squad and placed wide receiver Griff Whalen (fractured ribs) and defensive lineman Billy Winn (torn rotator cuff) on season-ending injured reserve.

Additionally, the team promoted a pair of defensive lineman in Kelcy Quarles and Earl Okine from the team’s practice squad and also waived backup running back Zurlon Tipton in a corresponding move.

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins running back Trey Williams (30) runs the ball during the fourth quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M in 2015, Williams has also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and just recently, the Miami Dolphins organizations this season.

The 5’7″, 195 pound running back has yet to appear in an NFL game this season, but just finished his junior season with the Aggies with 560 rushing yards on 81 carries (6.9 ypc average) and 7 rushing touchdowns. In his 3 years with Texas A&M, Williams finished with 1,343 career rush yards on 204 carries (6.6 ypc average) and 18 rushing touchdowns.

Regarding Whalen, the 4th-year wideout suffered a rib injury on a 4th quarter hit that led to a fumble. The 25 year old wideout finishes his season with 19 receptions for 205 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Whalen offers the Colts great versatility as a backup wideout and special teams returnman, but has to work on his ball security–finishing his year with 4 fumbles (2 lost) on the season in limited touches.

Joining him on season-ending injured reserve is defensive lineman Billy Winn. The 4th-year veteran proved to be a solid rotational defensive lineman for the team, having been acquired by the Cleveland Browns for a late round draft pick in an offseason trade. Winn appeared in 12 games for the Colts–making 3 starts, while recording 14 tackles and proving stout against the running game.

Helping to replace Winn among the team’s defensive line depth will be Kelcy Quarles and Earl Okine. Quarles appeared in 2 games for the Colts last season, but has yet to appear in a game this season. Meanwhile, Okine is a former FXFL, AFL, and CFL standout, who has spent his season stashed on the Colts practice squad.

While the team waived backup running back Zurlon Tipton, he could become a candidate to be re-signed to the team’s practice squad. The 2nd-year running back had seen some limited reps as a 3rd down running back in recent games and offers some special teams versatility.

It’s also worth noting that Colts practice squad quarterback Alex Tanney was claimed by the Tennessee Titans and has been promoted to their active roster.