Indianapolis signs linebacker to 53-man roster

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that they have signed linebacker Liam Anderson to the 53-man roster.

The corresponding roster move in order to make room for Anderson was the team announcing that they released defensive tackle Adam Gotsis.

Given that EJ Speed is listed as questionable with a knee injury, this is a noteworthy move. Was Anderson added to bolster the linebacker depth?

That final decision about Speed’s availability doesn’t have to be made until 90 minutes before kickoff when inactives are announced. However, any sort of roster moves or practice squad elevations have to be made on Saturday, so it is possible that Speed could still play but this move was made to provide the Colts with insurance just in case he is a true game-time decision.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, if that’s the case, why not elevate Anderson from the practice squad instead of signing him to the active roster?

Well, with the Colts already having ruled out Bernhard Raimann, Ryan Kelly going on injured reserve recently, and Braden Smith now questionable, offensive line depth is a concern, so the team chose to elevate Atonio Mafi and Josh Sills instead.

If the Colts are without Speed and Anderson is active, he will give them special teams depth, while Grant Stuard takes over as the nickel linebacker next to Zaire Franklin and Segun Olubi becomes the third lineabcker when in base–or at least that’s what the Colts did in Week7 against Miami when Speed was out.

Anderson played 13 special teams snaps in that Miami game–his only appearance this season. He also appeared in one game last year as well, again playing special teams.