Colts cut veteran as injury report helps linebacker depth, hurts cornerbacks

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have made a flurry of roster moves this week, trying to cover a rash of injuries at the cornerback position while shoring up depth at linebacker.Rookie middle linebacker CJ Allen was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day after missing last week’s game due to an ankle injury, although his fellow rookie, Bryce Boettcher, missed his second consecutive day with a groin injury.Indianapolis feels confident enough in its linebacker group to release veteran Germaine Pratt, who was signed to the practice squad two weeks ago but no longer has a path to playing time.Pratt played 20 snaps against Minnesota this week due to injuries, but the Colts plan to move Allen into the starting lineup now that he’s healthy. Pratt was a starter for 12 games in Indianapolis in 2025; the Colts are trying to get younger and faster at the position. “C.J. was going to start this week before he had that injury,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “I think they’re all putting their time in, and the more at bats they get, the better they’re going to be.”The Colts have larger issues at cornerback.Sauce Gardner practiced in full for the first time since suffering a calf injury against Tennessee, offering a potential starting option. Indianapolis placed Cam Taylor-Britt on injured reserve earlier this week, and Justin Walley missed the second consecutive day with a knee injury.Tight ends Tyler Warren (groin) and Drew Ogletree (knee) were both limited in practice for the second consecutive day. Warren, the team leader in receptions, has missed the last two weeks with the groin injury, and he was somewhat optimistic that he’ll be able to go against the Jaguars.Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts cut veteran as injury report helps linebacker depth, hurts cornerbacks