Colts Expected to Sign Quarterback Josh Johnson
By Andrew Ites
After placing Andrew Luck on injured reserve, the Colts are using the open roster spot to bring in a free agent quarterback to add some depth at the position.
Andrew Luck’s 2017 season is officially over as he has been placed on the season-ending injured reserve.
This began to look like a possibility when the Colts worked out four free agent quarterbacks at the beginning of the week. Matt Barkley, Matt McGloin, and Connor Shaw were among those quarterbacks that the Colts took a look at, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Indianapolis is expected to sign Josh Johnson.
When the #Colts sign a QB, I’m told Josh Johnson is expected to be the guy. He worked out for them this week and stood out among that group.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2017
Josh Johnson hasn’t played in an NFL regular season game since 2013, and he hasn’t attempted a pass since 2011. Johnson’s last NFL start came in 2011 with the Buccaneers where he made all of his 5 career starts.
The Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder is reporting that Johnson’s signing has less to do with Andrew Luck, and more to do with a banged up Jacoby Brissett.
This is likely more related to Jacoby Brissett being a bit beaten up rather than Andrew Luck. https://t.co/pWSWMz5H1r
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 31, 2017
Next: Colts Stand Pat at the NFL Trade Deadline
Brissett has been sacked 29 times this season, which leads the league despite not starting the first game of the season.
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It’s unclear whether Josh Johnson could jump Scott Tolzien on the depth chart, but Johnson’s mobility could give him an edge with how much the Colts’ offensive line has struggled this season.
Andrew Luck’s struggles in recovery have come as a bit of a surprise to a Colts organization that thought he had a good chance to play this season. The organization is forced to move on without him for the rest of 2017, and that includes bringing in another quarterback to help fill the void left by their injured franchise QB.