NFL’s Colts Respond to Injury Crisis with New Player Signings

Intermediate | August 6, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

The Indianapolis Colts are busy signing new players this August to overcome a challenging period. The team has faced many injuries, especially among their defensive back players. This news summary will explain the Colts’ recent actions and how they are handling these setbacks related to Indianapolis Colts injuries.

Addressing Defensive Back Woes

Secondary Hit Hard by Indianapolis Colts Injuries

The Colts’ cornerback group has suffered significantly. Cornerbacks Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents both sustained hamstring injuries during training camp. While we do not know their exact return timelines, recent team actions suggest they could miss considerable time on the field. Additionally, the Colts placed cornerback David Long Jr. on injured reserve, which effectively ends his 2025 season. These injuries have created major depth problems for the team’s defensive secondary.

Colts Bring in Veteran Reinforcements

To immediately address their depth issues, the Colts signed veteran cornerbacks Duke Shelley and Tre Herndon on July 31, 2025. Then, on August 1, 2025, the team also brought back Chris Lammons, who played with the Colts for the past two years. To make space for Lammons, the Colts released Corey Ballentine. The team has also explored other options by working out veteran cornerbacks like Keion Crossen, Thomas Graham, and Michael Ojemudia, though no immediate deals materialized for these players. This shows a strong effort to ensure they have enough players.

Broader Roster Adjustments and Safety Concerns

Running Back Injury Raises Safety Questions

Unfortunately, injuries extend beyond the secondary. On August 3, 2025, backup running back Salvon Ahmed suffered a severe right leg injury during practice. A hip-drop tackle, a move now banned by the NFL, caused Ahmed’s injury. He was competing for a spot on the main roster, and this injury will likely end his season. Head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the team does not encourage hip-drop tackles, highlighting player safety concerns during training camp.

Other Notable Team Moves

Beyond the recent injury-related signings, the Colts made other important roster decisions. They extended left tackle Bernhard Raimann with a four-year, \$100 million contract on July 29, 2025, securing a key offensive player. Conversely, the team also released tight end Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. These recent transactions demonstrate the Colts’ comprehensive effort to manage their roster and maintain depth despite the significant number of injuries.

Vocabulary

spate (noun): A large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession.
- Example: “The company experienced a spate of customer complaints after the software update.”
secondary (noun): In American football, the group of defensive players (cornerbacks and safeties) whose main job is to cover opposing receivers.
- Example: “The team’s secondary performed well, preventing many long passes.”
sustained (verb): Suffered (an injury, damage, or loss).
- Example: “The athlete sustained a minor injury during the game but continued playing.”
timelines (noun): Schedules or plans that specify when events or activities should happen.
- Example: “The project manager set clear timelines for each phase of the development.”
addressed (verb): Dealt with or took action on a problem or issue.
- Example: “The manager addressed the team’s concerns during the meeting.”
reinforcements (noun): Additional people or resources sent to strengthen something.
- Example: “The police called for reinforcements when the crowd became too large.”
competing (verb): Trying to get or win something for which others are also trying.
- Example: “Several companies are competing for the new government contract.”
highlights (verb): Draws special attention to; emphasizes.
- Example: “The report highlights the need for better public transportation.”
underscores (verb): Emphasizes or makes something more obvious.
- Example: “Her strong performance underscores her talent.”
comprehensive (adjective): Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
- Example: “The doctor performed a comprehensive examination of the patient.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What specific type of injuries have significantly affected the Indianapolis Colts’ secondary?
Which veteran cornerbacks did the Colts sign recently to improve their depth?
Why did the Colts release Corey Ballentine on August 1, 2025?
How did Salvon Ahmed’s injury occur, and what rule did it highlight?
Besides player signings, what other significant roster move did the Colts make regarding Bernhard Raimann?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How do injuries impact professional sports teams, both on and off the field?
What are some ways teams try to manage player injuries throughout a season?
Do you think the NFL’s ban on hip-drop tackles is a good rule? Why or why not?
How important is player depth for a team hoping to win a championship?
What are some other situations where organizations need to quickly bring in new talent due to unexpected issues?

Related Idiom

Hit hard

Meaning: To be severely affected or impacted by something negative.
Example: “The company’s sales figures really hit hard after the economic downturn.”

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This article was inspired by: AP News, August 1, 2025