The Indianapolis Colts are making some significant roster adjustments right before their Week 7 road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, with veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt and cornerback Kenneth Harris both elevated to the practice squad. This move signals a scramble for defensive depth, especially for the linebacker corps, which is now looking thin with key injuries.
Pratt’s Back In The Mix: A Familiar Face Steps Up
Pratt’s elevation is huge for the Colts’ defense, coming after rookie linebacker CJ Allen was downgraded to out with an ankle injury for Sunday’s game. Fellow rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher is also still questionable due to a groin issue. This isn’t Pratt’s first rodeo with the Colts, though. The 30-year-old was signed to their practice squad less than two weeks ago after surprisingly going unsigned as a veteran free agent all offseason. He was released by the Las Vegas Raiders after four starts in 2025, but the Colts quickly scooped him up last year. During his 12 starts for Indianapolis, Pratt put up 101 tackles, 57 solo, snagged an interception, broke up 8 passes, forced a fumble, and recovered two fumbles. He actually helped shore up some of the Colts’ early lackluster starting linebacker play back then and was a serious positive in run defense, even if his pass coverage can be a bit slow. Given the recent injuries and what’s been some underwhelming play at starting linebacker, Pratt’s return is clearly meant as veteran insurance. It’s also a reunion with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, as the two have history together from their Cincinnati days. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Pratt playing a pivotal role again this season for Indianapolis.
Punter Pressure & Cornerback Cover
It’s not just the linebackers getting shuffled. On the special teams front, punter Rigoberto Sanchez, who took a brutal hit during a blocked punt in last Sunday’s tough loss, will be available in Minnesota. The Colts apparently feel good enough about Sanchez that they cut ties with veteran punter Thomas Morstead from their practice squad. Morstead was signed earlier in the week as another veteran insurance policy, but his time in Indianapolis was short-lived. Meanwhile, the Colts are also bringing up 24-year-old cornerback Kenneth Harris. Harris, originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie this past offseason, has seen action in one game for Indianapolis so far this season, recording a single tackle.
These moves show the Colts are dealing with some real roster bumps as they head into a critical road game against the Vikings. Getting Pratt back on the field, even if it’s due to injuries, could be just what they need to stabilize that linebacker room for Week 7.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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