Lawson joins practice squad; roster move made to clear space
The Indianapolis Colts signed Carl Lawson to their practice squad Wednesday, adding a veteran presence to a pass-rush group that has been stretched thin. To create the roster spot, the club released tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. from the practice squad. Lawson previously worked out for the team on Sept. 23 and already has familiarity with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system.
Injuries force the move and leave a narrow rotation
Arden Key is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury, and Michael Clemons is on injured reserve, leaving the Colts short on experienced edge depth. Yardbarker reported that Key has not been placed on injured reserve but will miss time, while Clemons, who went on IR after Week 2 with a toe injury, is expected to sit out at least two more games. ESPN projects Key will miss approximately three to four weeks, a timeline the Colts will likely monitor closely.
The signing addresses immediate roster needs without suggesting a dramatic fix. Yahoo! News cautioned that adding Lawson should not be viewed as a major solution to the Colts’ pass-rush problems.
What Lawson brings and how the Colts might use him
Carl Lawson arrives with a lengthy NFL resume: he has appeared in 90 games, made 34 starts and recorded 32 sacks over the course of his career. Newsweek noted Lawson brings considerably more NFL experience than some of the younger options currently behind Key on Indianapolis’ depth chart. That experience, plus his knowledge of Anarumo’s system, gives the Colts a ready veteran option they can elevate from the practice squad if needed.
Yardbarker projected the Colts could elevate Lawson from the practice squad as they await the returns of Key and Clemons, a short-term pathway that would shore up the edge rotation without forcing a longer-term roster commitment immediately.
The move fits a conservative approach: bolster depth with a familiar, proven player while preserving roster flexibility. For now, Lawson’s signing is a hedged response to a pair of injuries that have left Indianapolis searching for reliable pass-rush reps beyond its projected starters.
