The Colts are making a couple of late-week moves to steady the ship before heading to Minnesota.
On Saturday, Indianapolis elevated veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt and cornerback Kenneth Harris from the practice squad for the Week 7 road game against the Vikings. The Pratt move comes with rookie linebacker CJ Allen (ankle) downgraded to out for Sunday and fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher (groin) still listed as questionable.
Pratt’s return is the one that carries the most weight. The 30-year-old signed with the Colts’ practice squad a little less than two weeks ago after staying unsigned all offseason as a veteran free agent. Indianapolis had already brought him in after the Las Vegas Raiders released him following the first four starts of 2025.
Last year with the Colts, Pratt logged 101 tackles, 57 solo stops, an interception, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries across 12 starts. He gave Indianapolis some needed stability when the starting linebacker group was struggling, and he was especially useful against the run, even if pass coverage was never really his strongest trait.
With injuries piling up and the linebacker play again looking shaky, the Colts have turned to Pratt as veteran insurance. He’s back with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, a pairing that stretches back to their time together in Cincinnati. Given the circumstances, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Pratt ends up with another meaningful role this season.
The other elevation is Harris, a 24-year-old cornerback who joined the Colts after signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent earlier this offseason. He has played in one game for Indianapolis this year and recorded one tackle.
There was also a change at punter. Rigoberto Sanchez, who took a big hit on a blocked punt in last Sunday’s loss, is available for the game in Minnesota. To make room, Indianapolis cut ties with veteran punter Thomas Morstead from the practice squad after signing him earlier in the week as another insurance option.
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For Denver, the question is whether it wants to turn a passing interest into something more serious if Indianapolis decides to listen on veterans. The Colts internal picture is not entirely clear, either, since owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon reportedly still sees Taylor as a key part of the organization moving forward, leaving any potential move caught between a roster reset and a player the team may still want to build around. [Read more 🡒]