The Indianapolis Colts announced on Tuesday that the team has signed tight end Chase Coffman, placed running back Tyler Varga on the reserve/did not report list, and waived cornerback Daniel Davie in a corresponding move.
Originally a 3rd round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009, Coffman has also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks organizations.
In 37 career games (3 starts), Coffman has 18 receptions for 177 total receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions.
With undrafted rookie tight ends Darion Griswold and Mike Miller being placed on preseason PUP and the non-football injury (NFI) list respectively, the Colts could use the additional tight end depth for training camp.
Varga not reporting is a bit of a surprise, as the 2nd-year running back showed considerable promise before suffering a season-ending concussion in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans this past season.
The former undrafted free agent running back out of Yale was a standout in preseason for the Colts last year and shined on both special teams and as a situational 3rd down running back during limited action in the regular season.
However, Varga had reportedly experienced lingering concussion symptoms up to 4 months after the initial injury, yet still wanted to pursue professional football as recently as this past June.
While we don’t have all of the facts, perhaps he’s still suffering from some side effects or even contemplating his professional football future, especially after Colts team doctors prescribed a controversial drug for treatment and considering the long-term effects of concussions.
Meanwhile, recently released Daniel Davie is an undrafted free agent rookie cornerback that was signed by the Colts following this year’s NFL Draft.
The 6’0″, 190 pound senior cornerback was limited by a groin injury this past season, but still managed 18 tackles and 5 pass breakups in 6 games (5 starts).
He finished his Cornhuskers career with 67 tackles including 6 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions in his 4-years with the team.
Update (5:35 PM EST): Per multiple league sources, it appears Varga may elect to formally retire following a significant concussion injury this past season and having suffered from lingering side effects:
It's more or less a paperwork issue at this point on Varga, per source. I presume he will be moved to the retired list at some point.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 26, 2016
#Colts RB Tyler Varga is contemplating retirement, source said. He dealt with significant concussion issues last season.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 26, 2016