Could this possibly be the end of an era? The Colts signed a new kicker to the active roster for this week against the Buccaneers.
The Colts have had struggles in the kicking game all year long. Adam Vinatieri, who is also the league’s oldest player, has had the worst season of his illustrious career. Now he has been listed on the injury report with a knee injury, so the Colts made some moves.
They signed Chase McLaughlin off of waivers yesterday onto the active roster. McLaughlin most recently played with the 49ers. This is a very significant move that may signal that Vinatieri can’t go this weekend, and possibly beyond that as well.
Vinatieri was limited in practice yesterday because of a left knee injury. That is his plant leg. Apparently this is something that has bothered him since training camp. Now it has gotten bad enough where he had to be on the injury report for it.
It’s unclear how this signing will affect the game on Sunday. If McLaughlin stays on the active roster, he will likely be the kicker and given an audition. If he does well, maybe Vinny’s time with the Colts is over. But if he misses kicks too, Vinny will likely stay as the starting kicker.
Either way this is something to monitor the rest of the week. Singing a kicker to the active roster is not something any team in the NFL does lightly. If I had to guess right now, I’d say it will be McLaughlin kicking for the Colts on Sunday afternoon in Tampa.
After his performance, it’s anyone’s guess as to what his future status will be with the team.