Nick Callender

Colts Cut Austin Howard, Reach 53-Man Roster

By Zachary Links | at September 1, 2018 3:43 pm

The Colts are at the 53-man roster max after making a bundle of transactions, including the release of offensive tackle Austin Howard.

[RELATED: Colts Cut John Simon]

The Colts invested $1.3MM guaranteed in Howard, but he was medically cleared until late July and struggled in camp and during the preseason. The Colts dangled him in trade talks this week, but there were no takers for him.

Despite his issues this summer, Howard had a solid 2017 with the Ravens and graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 36 offensive tackle. If healthy, he could draw interest from other teams.

The Colts also placed defensive end Chris McCain, linebacker Jeremiah George, defensive end Anthony Johnson, and tight end Ross Travis on injured reserve.

Here’s a look at the rest of the Colts’ moves:

Waived:

• TE Mo Alie-Cox
• K Mike Badgley
• CB Juante Baldwin
• DT Brandon Banks
• C Deyshawn Bond
• G Nick Callender
• LB Brandon Chubb
• CB Lashard Durr
• WR Reece Fountain
• WR Cobi Hamilton
• WR Steve Ishmael
• WR Seantavius Jones
• DT Tomasi Laulile
• DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
• CB Henre’ Toliver
• G Jeremy Vujnovich
• QB Phillip Walker
• CB D.J. White
• WR Kasen Williams

Last year, Bond ascended to the starting center job when Ryan Kelly broke his foot late in training camp. Unfortunately, a torn quad landed him on IR in October. This year, he’ll be looking for work elsewhere.

Alie-Cox was a former basketball player looking to transition to tight end. Although Antonio Gates and others have successfully made the jump, Alie-Cox has yet to find similar success.

In addition to the aforementioned moves, the Colts also waived the following players with an injury designation. If they clear waivers, then they revert to the Colts’ Injured Reserve list:

• LB Tyrell Adams
• WR K.J. Brent
• T Tyreek Burwell
• S Chris Cooper
• S T.J. Green
• WR Krishawn Hogan
• CB Robert Jackson
• S Ronald Martin
• S Robenson Therezie
• WR James Wright