The Indianapolis Colts have an inside linebacker problem. Zaire Franklin is great, but he needs help. So far in 2025, and even while the team is 4-1, the off-ball linebacker group has been a mess beside Franklin. Joe Bachie, specifically, was terrible in Week 5.
One thing is certain, however. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard isn't afraid to do defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo a favor and bring in players who played under Anarumo when he was with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The team has done so with Bachie, but also cornerback Mike Hilton. If a former Cincy player is available that has a good relationship with Anarumo and the DC thinks can help Indy, one can assume that player will get a glance by Ballard and the Colts.
Indianapolis Colts might have had a fit for their inside linebacker issue fall into their laps
Ironically, a player who used to play for Anarumo with the Bengals, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, but didn't play for Vegas in their Week 5 matchup with Indianapolis because of non-injury issues. He was released by Vegas a day after the Colts game. That player is Germaine Pratt.
Pratt is a pure inside linebacker, and has been a productive one in his career. He's had at least 91 tackles in the last four seasons, and he had 143 tackles in 2024. He's solid in coverage, though he doesn't offer much in terms of quarterback pressure.
That might be more because of Lou Anarumo's system, and that is OK. In the DC's scheme, the insiude linebacker position is somewhat devalued. The players are there to support the run and try to be good in underneath coverage. Pratt can do that.
Still, one might wonder how he would affect the current Indianapolis Colts culture. The team is off to its best start in years and doesn't need someone with anger issues upsetting the good vibes. Perhaps, Pratt doesn't have a temper, and maybe what happened with the Raiders (and his rumored fight with Maxx Crosby) is overblown.
Head coach Pete Carroll of the Raiders is not afraid to take chances on players who have issues in their past, and he will even keep a player around who might not be great for team culture. He did so with Jamal Adams in 2023 after Adams left the stadium or stayed home when he was told he wouldn't be active for the Seattle Seahawks' Week 15 game.
That means what Pratt did in Vegas might not be good. That also doesn't mean he won't be with the Indianapolis Colts in the next few days. If Anarumo believes in him, Chris Ballard might too.