As the NFL tries to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a lot of changes going around the league. Among them are the slight modifications to the practice squad, which will have an impact on the Indianapolis Colts in a positive way.
Under the new CBA, practice squads were already going to be increased from 10 to 12 players. Now, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to expand the practice squad to 16 players. Also, six of those players can have an unlimited number of accrued seasons—previously the rule was only two players—per Lindsay Jones of The Athletic.
The biggest change, though, comes in the form of a “protected practice squad.” Four players on the practice squad can be protected on a weekly basis from other teams trying to poach players, per Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
This will allows the Colts to keep some of their younger talent protected while adding depth elsewhere on the active roster.
Here’s a look at six players the Colts should consider putting on the protected practice squad:
QB Jacob Eason
Eason is the top candidate when considering players for the protected practice squad. One of the biggest challenges when projecting the 53-man roster for the Colts this season is what to do with the limited spots after having to carry three quarterbacks. Now, they don’t have to worry about that.
The Colts can carry their two quarterbacks in Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett on the active roster while Eason continues to work as the QB3 on the protected practice squad. The biggest reason for keeping Eason on the active roster was for fear of losing him during the waiver process on his way to the practice squad.
As long as he isn’t subject to waivers on this new protected practice squad, putting Eason there is a no brainer.