The Colts added some veteran help to their defensive front Wednesday, signing defensive end Carl Lawson to the practice squad.
Indianapolis also released tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. from the practice squad to make room for Lawson, who had previously worked out for the Colts on Sept. 23.
The timing is pretty easy to understand. Arden Key is expected to miss time with an injury, while Micheal Clemons is already on injured reserve, leaving the Colts thinner than they would like at defensive end. Lawson gives them an experienced option who already has familiarity with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system.
Lawson played under Anarumo in Cincinnati during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and 2020 was arguably the best year of his career. He recorded 64 pressures that season and continued to establish himself as a disruptive rotational pass rusher. That familiarity should help if Indianapolis eventually needs to elevate him to the active roster.
The 31-year-old has played eight NFL seasons with the Bengals, Jets, Cowboys and Ravens, appearing in 90 games with 34 starts. Over that span, he has recorded 32 sacks, 122 quarterback hits, 32 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. His role has decreased in recent years, though, and he played just 26 defensive snaps for Baltimore last season.
This should not be viewed as some major solution to the Colts’ pass-rush problems. Lawson is being added to the practice squad in October for a reason, and expecting him to suddenly become the player he was several years ago would be unrealistic.
Still, the move makes sense considering the state of the defensive line.
Indianapolis enters its Week 5 matchup against Pittsburgh ranked 31st in total defense, allowing 423.8 yards per game. The Colts have struggled to consistently affect opposing quarterbacks, and injuries have now taken away two veterans from an edge group that was already short on proven difference-makers.
Lawson at least gives Anarumo another player he knows and trusts, along with someone who has shown in the past that he can create pressure when used in the right role. If Key remains out for multiple games, it would not be surprising to see Lawson elevated and given rotational snaps sooner rather than later.
For now, he gives the Colts some needed insurance at a position that has quickly become even thinner.
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