Tag: Eric Johnson

Two former Colts’ draft picks claimed off waivers by other teams

Two former Colts’ draft picks who were released on Tuesday, were claimed by two other teams on Wednesday.

Following roster cuts, two recent Colts’ draft picks were claimed off waivers by two other teams.

Eric Johnson, a defensive tackle and fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2022, was claimed by the New England Patriots, and 2024 seventh-round pick and fellow defensive tackle Jonah Laulu was claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Colts would end up keeping five defensive tackles on their 53-man roster. The top of the depth chart was as expected with DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Raekwon Davis.

Adetomiwa Adebawore also made the team after an impressive summer, where refined technique and playing with more power resulted in more disruption.

The fifth spot, however, is what was up for grabs. The Colts ultimately went with Taven Bryan and his experience as a pass rusher. It was a pretty quiet preseason for Bryan, who recorded only one pressure, but SI’s Albert Breer spoke would call him a “camp surprise” during his training camp visit to Indianapolis this summer.

Johnson played 392 total defensive snaps in his first two seasons with the Colts, with 265 of them coming in 2023. Johnson was tasked with bolstering the run defense depth when Stewart wasn’t on the field, but he and Bryan would struggle to fill that role.

Laulu, meanwhile, is more of a developmental player, but it’s his versatility and athleticism that drew the Colts to him during the NFL draft.

Patriots awarded four players, including two new tackles, off waivers

The Patriots land four players from the waiver wire

The New England Patriots were awarded four players through waiver claims on Wednesday.

They were the No. 3 team in the waiver wire pecking order. So they had a higher priority in their selection over every other NFL team but the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders.

Per the waiver system transactions, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots were awarded linebacker Curtis Jacobs, offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and offensive tackle Zachary Thomas.

It’s notable that the Patriots put in claims for two new offensive tackles considering that’s been the biggest trouble spot for the team throughout training camp and the preseason.

Thomas and Jacobs are no saviors in that matter. They are simply two more project pieces for the Patriots to coach up behind the scenes as possible future depth options. Jones has no career game experience in the NFL, and Thomas has only appeared in three games.

The Patriots are currently down to a banged-up Vederian Lowe, Chukwuma Okorafor and rookie Caedan Wallace as their top tackle options on the roster. Of course, they could always kick Mike Onwenu back outside from guard to tackle.

It’s an ongoing game of offensive line musical chairs that feels like it’ll never end for the Patriots.

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Colts reportedly waiving DT Eric Johnson during roster cuts

As part of roster cutdowns, the Colts are reportedly waiving defensive tackle Eric Johnson. Here is what you need to know.

Another roster move has been reported, with the Indianapolis Colts reportedly waiving defensive tackle Eric Johnson, according to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star.

As a player with fewer than four years of accrued NFL experience, Johnson will go on waivers. If unclaimed, he will become a free agent and can sign where he wishes.

Johnson was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2022. He, along with Taven Bryan, were tasked with bolstering the Colts’ run defense depth last season, but struggled to do so.

In the first six games of the 2023 season, the Colts surrendered just 3.7 yards per rush with Grover Stewart on the field. Over the next six games without him, they gave up 4.9 yards per attempt.

With DeForest Buckner, Stewart, and Raekwon Davis at the top of the defensive tackle rotation, along with the emergence of Adetomiwa Adebawore this summer, making the roster quickly became an uphill battle for Johnson.

In the preseason, the Colts run defense depth as a whole remained up and down, while Johnson would total three pressures on 32 pass rush snaps. With a defensive front full of pass rushers, Johnson’s path to making the team was going to consist of standing out as a run defender.

It’s possible that the Colts do keep just four defensive tackles on the 53-man roster with Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis able to play inside.

Colts’ training camp roster preview: DT Eric Johnson

Up next in our Colts’ training camp roster preview is DT Eric Johnson. Here is a look back at 2023 for Johnson and what could be ahead in 2024.

Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.

Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.

I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is defensive tackle Eric Johnson. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.

2023 Season Review

In his second season with the Colts as a former fifth-round pick, Johnson played 265 snaps, the fourth-most on the team among defensive tackles.

Johnson was on the field for more run defense snaps and was relied on, along with Taven Bryan, to handle those duties when the team was without Grover Stewart. Johnson would finish the season with four pressures and one sack.

While PFF’s grades are not the be-all-end-all, for what it’s worth, Johnson’s grade against the run was the lowest among 146 eligible defensive tackles. In the first six games last season with Stewart, the Colts allowed just 3.7 yards per rush. However, in the next six without him, they gave up 4.9 yards per carry, according to ESPN.

2024 Season Preview

One of only two outside free agent additions made by the Colts this offseason was signing Raekwon Davis, who will be the third member of the defensive tackle rotation. Davis will provide some needed help against the run when Stewart is off the field, but in Gus Bradley’s defense, the Colts believe there is pass rush production that can be unlocked as well.

For Johnson, and the other defensive tackles not named Stewart or DeForest Buckner, this means that there may only be one roster spot up for grabs. At least where we stand right now, making the final roster could be an uphill battle for Johnson.

He will be competing with Bryan, who has more experience and could make a greater impact this season in a more pass rush specific role, as well as Adetomiwa Adebawore, who was a 2023 fourth-round pick by the Colts. Indianapolis would also select Jonah Laulu in the seventh-round of this year’s draft.

From the defensive end position, we may also see Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo taking some snaps inside as well.

Where Johnson can try to distinguish himself from the others is with his ability to contribute on special teams, and as a run defender, where teams are almost always looking for additional help.

Colts vs. Panthers: Initial injury report for Week 9

Here’s the Wednesday injury report for the Colts and Panthers.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) and Carolina Panthers (1-6) released their initial injury reports Wednesday ahead of the Week 9 matchup at Bank of America Stadium.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts in Week 9:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Notes

  • CB Julius Brents is not expected to practice this week and is likely to miss his second consecutive game.
  • LB Zaire Franklin picked up a knee injury during the Week 8 loss. He exited briefly before returning and finishing the game. DE Dayo Odeyingbo is also a new addition to the injury report compared to last week.
  • RT Braden Smith still has not practiced since suffering a hip injury during Thursday’s practice in Week 6. His status is still up in the air for this week.
  • TE Kylen Granson appears ready to return after missing the last two games. The same goes for DT Eric Johnson II, who was inactive in Week 8.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Panthers in Week 9:

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Colts vs. Saints: Final injury report for Week 8

Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Colts and Saints in Week 8.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-4) and New Orleans Saints (3-4) released their final injury reports Friday ahead of the Week 8 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Colts in Week 8:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
CB JuJu Brents Quad DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Kylen Granson Concussion DNP DNP LP Out
DT Eric Johnson Ankle DNP DNP FP Questionable
RB Zack Moss Elbow/Heel DNP LP DNP Questionable
T Braden Smith Hip/Wrist DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Tony Brown Ribs — — DNP Questionable
DT DeForest Buckner Rest — — DNP —
C Ryan Kelly Rest — — DNP —

Notes

  • It’s no surprise regarding the three players who were ruled out. TE Kylen Granson appears to be progressing so look for his status next week.
  • RT Braden Smith hasn’t practiced since injuring his hip during the Thursday practice in Week 6. He will miss his third consecutive game.
  • DT Eric Johnson II has been trending in the right direction all week and his full participation status Friday is encouraging for his chances to play.
  • The fact that RB Zack Moss was downgraded Friday after being a limited participant the day before may suggest he didn’t respond well to practicing. He’s likely a game-time decision.
  • CB Tony Brown was a new addition to the report Friday so there’s a chance the Colts are without two cornerbacks.

Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Saints in Week 8:

Saints Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
G/T James Hunt Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Alvin Kamara Illness DNP FP FP —
LB Demario Davis Knee LP LP LP Questionable
TE Jimmy Graham Illness LP LP LP Questionable
S J.T. Gray Hamstring LP DNP LP Questionable
QB Taysom Hill Chest LP LP LP Questionable
TE Juwan Johnson Calf LP LP FP —
S Tyrann Mathieu Foot LP LP FP Questionable
S Marcus Maye Hamstring/Illness LP LP DNP Questionable
T Ryan Ramczyk Concussion LP FP FP —
T Landon Young Hip LP LP FP —
RB Kendre Miller Shoulder FP FP FP —
G Max Garcia Illness — LP LP Questionable
CB Alontae Taylor Hip — LP LP Questionable
G/T Andrus Peat Ankle — — LP Questionable

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Colts vs. Saints: Updated injury report for Week 8

Here’s the updated injury report for the Colts and Saints in Week 8.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-4) and New Orleans Saints (3-4) released their updated injury reports Thursday ahead of the Week 8 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Colts in Week 8:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
CB JuJu Brents Quad DNP DNP
TE Kylen Granson Concussion DNP DNP
DT Eric Johnson Ankle DNP DNP
RB Zack Moss Elbow/Heel DNP LP
T Braden Smith Hip/Wrist DNP DNP

Notes

  • RB Zack Moss was the only player to improve his status, logging a limited practice Thursday.
  • The Colts seem to be preparing to be without CB Julius Brents who seems unlikely to play due to the quad injury he suffered in Week 7.
  • TE Kylen Granson will need to practice Friday in order to have a chance to clear the protocol.
  • T Braden Smith still has not practiced since injuring his hip during the Thursday practice in Week 6, and he appears unlikely to play against the Saints.

Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Saints in Week 8:

Saints Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
G/T James Hunt Ankle DNP DNP
RB Alvin Kamara Illness DNP FP
LB Demario Davis Knee LP LP
TE Jimmy Graham Illness LP LP
S J.T. Gray Hamstring LP DNP
QB Taysom Hill Chest LP LP
TE Juwan Johnson Calf LP LP
S Tyrann Mathieu Foot LP LP
S Marcus Maye Hamstring/Illness LP LP
T Ryan Ramczyk Concussion LP FP
T Landon Young Hip LP LP
RB Kendre Miller Shoulder FP FP
G Max Garcia Illness — LP
CB Alontae Taylor Hip — LP

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Colts vs. Saints: Initial injury report for Week 8

Here’s a look at the Wednesday injury report for the Colts and Saints in Week 8.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-4) and New Orleans Saints (3-4) released their initial injury reports Wednesday ahead of the Week 8 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Colts in Week 8:

*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*

Colts Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
CB JuJu Brents Quad DNP
TE Kylen Granson Concussion DNP
DT Eric Johnson Ankle DNP
RB Zack Moss Elbow/Heel DNP
T Braden Smith Hip/Wrist DNP

Notes

  • Despite not practicing, TE Kylen Granson is progressing through the protocol. He has a chance to clear the protocol if he can practice Thursday.
  • CB Julius Brents suffered his quad injury during the Week 7 loss, and there’s a chance he will miss some time.
  • RB Zack Moss is a new addition to the injury report, and DT Eric Johnson suffered his ankle injury during the Week 7 loss.
  • T Braden Smith still has not practiced since injuring his hip during the Thursday practice in Week 6.

Here’s a look at the initial injury report for the Saints in Week 8:

Saints Injury Report
Player Injury Wed. 10/25 Thu. 10/26 Fri. 10/27 Status
G/T James Hunt Ankle DNP
RB Alvin Kamara Illness DNP
LB Demario Davis Knee LP
TE Jimmy Graham Rest LP
S J.T. Gray Hamstring LP
QB Taysom Hill Chest LP
TE Juwan Johnson Calf LP
S Tyrann Mathieu Foot LP
S Marcus Maye Hamstring LP
T Ryan Ramczyk Concussion LP
T Landon Young Hip LP
RB Kendre Miller Shoulder FP

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5 fringe Colts players who need strong impression vs. Bills

These roster bubble Colts players need a strong impression Saturday.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to play the Buffalo Bills in their first preseason game of the 2023 season.

There are many players who are in the middle of fierce position battles for playing time or even to make the final roster.

With that being said, here are five players who sit on the roster bubble and need to make the most of their opportunities and make a strong impression to the coaching staff in Buffalo.

If they are able to come out strong Saturday, they will be able to continue to build their case for one of the spots when the roster is trimmed down significantly in a few weeks.

1 veteran player on roster bubble at each position for Colts

Taking a look at one Colts’ veteran on the roster bubble from each position.

The Indianapolis Colts are just weeks away from the start of training camp when the team will arrive at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

Bringing in a rookie head coach and new coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball means there will be a lot of competition taking place throughout the roster.

Training camp and the preseason will be the best time for players to make their cases for the 53-man roster. For this exercise, we’re going to look at veteran players from each position who are on the roster bubble.

We’ll try to include as many relevant veterans as possible, ones who carry some weight but realistically may be on the fringe of the roster.

Here’s a look at one veteran player on the roster bubble from each position for the Colts: