Colts sign former division rival for help at a position that desperately needs depth

The Indianapolis Colts have taken some tough hits at some important positions in recent weeks. Defensive tackle is one of those positions. Standout defensive tackle Grover Stewart was recently suspended six games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. In his first game out, the Colts lost second-year defensive tackle Eric Johnson II to an ankle injury.

The severity of Johnson’s injury hasn’t been revealed, but the young defender was seen leaving the locker room on crutches with his foot in a boot after Sunday’s game. If he has to miss time, Indy would be incredibly thin at defensive tackle. That’s why the Colts added another defensive tackle on Tuesday.

Indianapolis announced that they signed veteran defensive tackle Ross Blacklock to the practice squad. Considering the thin depth at defensive tackle, Blacklock will likely be elevated if everything goes well in practice.

Colts sign defensive tackle Ross Blacklock

Blacklock was drafted out of TCU in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, infamously, one spot ahead of Jonathan Taylor. He only spent two seasons with the Texans, playing in 29 total games, but starting just three. In 2022, right before the start of the season, Blacklock was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

After just a year in Minnesota, he was waived, but returned to the AFC South, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Blacklock only appeared in one game with Jacksonville, against the Colts, coincidentally. However, he was released by the Jaguars on Monday, and signed by the Colts on Tuesday.

In his career, Ross Blacklock has played in 41 total games, recording 38 tackles, five for a loss, three sacks, nine quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and two batted balls. He’ll now try to help the Colts out as they attempt to overcome misfortune at the defensive tackle position.

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