The Indianapolis Colts announced more roster moves on Sunday, signing free agent offensive guard Eric Herman and offensive tackle Keith Lumpkin, while offensive guard Donovan Williams and injured offensive tackle Kevin Graf were waived in a corresponding roster move.
If Graf clears waivers, he will revert to the team’s injured reserve.
Originally a 7th round pick of the New York Giants in 2013, Herman spent two seasons on his former franchise’s practice squad. It’s worth noting that he was suspended the first 4 games of the 2014 regular season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs while with the Giants.
The 6’4″, 320 pound offensive guard has also served as a member of the Baltimore Ravens practice squad this past season. While at Ohio University, Herman was a two-time 2nd-Team All-Mid American selection–making 50 starts.
Regarding Lumpkin, the former Rutgers standout was initially signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason before being released mid-June. The 6’7″, 317 pound offensive tackle received 2015 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten his senior season, starting all 12 games at left tackle for the Scarlet Knights. Lumpkin’s made the last 38 starts for Rutgers at left tackle over the past three seasons.
Williams was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Bears a week ago before his release, while Graf injured his ankle filling in for the already injured Joe Haeg at left tackle with the 2nd unit.
On the Colts first officially released depth chart, Graf was listed as the primary backup left tackle behind Anthony Castonzo. While this clearly wouldn’t be the case if push came to shove, it does show that he was at least in the mix for a backup roster spot along the team’s offensive line, as he’s been with the team this entire offseason–having signed in April.
Instead, it looks as though the Colts can’t afford to wait on Graf to heal, as the team will need as many healthy backup offensive lineman as possible with more “garbage time” looming over the next two preseason games. It’ll be interesting to see if an injury settlement is ultimately reached with Graf.
Hello indy!
— Eric Herman (@Hermans_House) August 21, 2016