Indianapolis Colts News

Colts sign veteran QB Joe Flacco

Colts sign veteran QB Joe Flacco

The Indianapolis Colts made it official Friday with the signing of 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, quarterback Joe Flacco.Terms were not disclosed but reports last week said the one-year deal to back up starter Anthony Richardson was worth up to $8.1 million.The 2013 Super Bowl MVP while with the champion Baltimore Ravens, Flacco was out of the league last season until the Browns, amid a rash of injuries to their quarterbacks, signed him to the practice squad on Nov. 20.Flacco, 38, ended the season as Cleveland's starter, and the Browns won four of his five regular-season starts, the last four in succession. He threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions in those five games and completed just over 60 percent of his pass attempts.The Browns, the runners-up in the AFC North, lost 45-14 to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Flacco threw for 307 yards and a touchdown, but he was intercepted twice.
Colts sign former Dolphins DT Raekwon Davis

Colts sign former Dolphins DT Raekwon Davis

The Indianapolis Colts announced the signing of free agent defensive tackle Raekwon Davis on Friday.Terms were not disclosed, but earlier reports said the 26-year-old landed a two-year deal for $14 million.Davis spent his first four NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who drafted him in the second round in 2020.
Report: Joe Flacco, Colts agree to one-year contract

Report: Joe Flacco, Colts agree to one-year contract

Quarterback Joe Flacco, last season's league Comeback Player of the Year while leading the Cleveland Browns into the postseason, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.Flacco, who turned 39 years old in January, will serve as the backup and a mentor to Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson, according to the report by ESPN. Richardson missed 13 games in his rookie season due to injuries. The deal could earn Flacco as much as $8.7 million.The 2013 Super Bowl MVP while with the champion Baltimore Ravens, Flacco was out of the league last season until the Browns, amid a rash of injuries to their quarterbacks, signed him to the practice squad on Nov. 20.Flacco ended the season as Cleveland's starter, and the Browns won four of his five regular-season starts, the last four in succession. He threw for 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions in those five games, and completed just over 60 percent of his pass attempts.The Browns, the runners-up in the AFC North, lost 45-14 to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Flacco threw for 307 yards and a touchdown, but he was intercepted twice.
Reports: Colts reach 3-year deal with WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Reports: Colts reach 3-year deal with WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The Indianapolis Colts and star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. are in agreement on a new three-year contract worth $71.5 million, the Schultz Report and NFL Network reported Monday.The deal includes $46 million guaranteed, per the report. Pittman becomes the eighth-highest paid WR in the league in average annual value.The Colts placed the franchise tag on Pittman last week but beat the deadline to reach a long-term deal by four months.
Colts sign LB Zaire Franklin to $31M extension

Colts sign LB Zaire Franklin to $31M extension

Linebacker Zaire Franklin agreed to a three-year, $31.26 million contract with the Colts on Monday.Franklin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, trumpeted the agreement, which replaces the final year on his deal (2024) worth $3.36 million.Franklin has 345 total tackles in three seasons, more than any player in the league except Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun, who joined Jacksonville after a breakout season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.
Colts tag WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Colts tag WR Michael Pittman Jr.

The Indianapolis Colts placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on Tuesday ahead of the NFL deadline.Pittman Jr. will be paid $21.82 million for the 2024 season if he doesn't sign a long-term contract extension before July 17.Using the non-exclusive tag blocks Pittman's exit to free agency but permits him to discuss a contract with other teams. If Pittman signs an offer sheet, the Colts are granted refusal rights and could match the deal to retain their leading receiver. Not matching the deal would net the Colts two first-round picks in return.
Domestic violence charges dismissed vs. Colts TE Drew Ogletree

Domestic violence charges dismissed vs. Colts TE Drew Ogletree

The domestic violence charges against Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree were dismissed Tuesday, with prosecutors in Hendricks County, Ind., electing not to proceed.Judge Stephenie LeMay-Luken dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled at a later date.Ogletree was arrested Dec. 29 and charged with one count of domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and one count of domestic battery committed in the physical presence of a child younger than 16 years old, per arrest records from the Hendricks County Jail.The charges followed an alleged fight with a woman, who told police at the time that Ogletree "body slammed" her to the ground."While preliminary investigations may have led to an arrest, that was only the start of the investigation process," said a statement issued on behalf of Ogletree. "Law enforcement officials continued their investigation into the facts of this case, and after completing their review of the evidence, the Hendricks County Prosecutor dismissed the case. Andrew has always maintained his innocence and he has been fully exonerated."
Colts GM closes door on WR Michael Pittman's departure

Colts GM closes door on WR Michael Pittman's departure

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts general manager Chris Ballard closed the door on the potential departure of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency.Ballard, asked Wednesday if Indianapolis' leading receiver could hit free agency if no long-term contract agreement is reached before Tuesday's franchise tag deadline, was adamant the exit is already closed."No," Ballard said."We've had talks with his agents. We'll work hard to get the deal done. (The franchise tag) is a tool we can use. I'm not going to say we're not going to use it, I'm not going to say we are."Pittman had a team-best 109 receptions, 1,152 yards and four TD catches in 2023. Using the franchise tag would guarantee a one-year salary of $21.8 million for the 2024 season.Ballard remains in daily contact with owner Jim Irsay after his medical emergency, and said head coach Shane Steichen also maintains close contact with Irsay.
Colts owner Jim Irsay 'on the mend' after being hospitalized

Colts owner Jim Irsay 'on the mend' after being hospitalized

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay took to social media Tuesday to reveal that his health is improving after he was hospitalized for a severe respiratory illness."On the mend. Grateful for all the messages of love and support," Irsay wrote on Twitter.The Colts released a statement on Jan. 9 saying Irsay was undergoing treatment for the illness.On Dec. 8, per a police report, the 64-year-old was found unresponsive in his home in Carmel (Ind.), prompting emergency personnel to administer Narcan, which is commonly used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Indianapolis to keep NFL scouting combine in 2025

Indianapolis to keep NFL scouting combine in 2025

The NFL scouting combine will stay in Indianapolis in 2025, as the league and the city announced a one-year contract extension on Thursday.The combine has been held in Indianapolis since 1987, but in recent years the NFL has shown interest in moving it around the country, as it has done with the draft.Dallas and Los Angeles bid on hosting the combine in 2022, the last time the contract was up, but Indianapolis reached a two-year agreement through 2024.Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts, is the site for on-field drills, which draw thousands of fans with their free attendance. The city's convention center and hotels are located in easy walking distance from the stadium.
Police: Colts owner Jim Irsay treated for overdose

Police: Colts owner Jim Irsay treated for overdose

Indiana police responded to an emergency call at Colts owner Jim Irsay's home last month for a suspected overdose, according to a FOX59 report.Records obtained by the Indianapolis TV station said police responding to a Carmel, Ind., residence at 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 found Irsay unresponsive and having difficulty breathing."At this time, it is unknown what Mr. Irsay had ingested prior to our arrival," an officer wrote in the report, which listed Irsay's prescribed medications.According to the report, measures taken by the police to revive the 64-year-old Irsay included a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.On Jan. 9, the Colts released a statement saying that Irsay was being treated for a severe respiratory illness.The team repeated that information on Wednesday.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson learning to play 'smart'

Colts QB Anthony Richardson learning to play 'smart'

After an injury-shortened rookie season, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson still plans to maintain his aggressive style while "being smart" and hopefully staying healthy."I feel like I'm going to stay the same, keep being me," the 2023 first-round draft pick told reporters on Thursday. "I can't try to run through everybody. If it's first-and-10, I need to get what I can get, get down, get out of bounds, get to the sideline, do what I can do. ... But if the game is on the line, I've got to go out there and compete."Richardson, 21, made four starts (winning two) and completed 50 of 84 passes for 577 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 136 yards and four scores on just 25 carries.He got knocked out of the season opener against Jacksonville with a bruised knee, left with a concussion in Week 2 versus Houston and sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 against Tennessee. The injury required surgery and he was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 11."The injury definitely opened my eyes to the fact that I need to be healthy for the team, for everybody in this building. It allowed me to slow my mind down a little bit and sit back and really learn the game a little bit," Richardson said. "Just sitting back and learning from (quarterback) Gardner (Minshew) and coach Shane (Steichen) and just being in the building a lot, it definitely taught me a lot of things this year."
Colts owner Jim Irsay being treated for 'severe respiratory illness'

Colts owner Jim Irsay being treated for 'severe respiratory illness'

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is being treated for a severe respiratory illness, the team said in a statement Tuesday.It was not known if Irsay, 64, was hospitalized or recovering at his home."Jim Irsay is currently being treated for a severe respiratory illness. While this unfortunately means he won't be able to perform with his band this week in Los Angeles, he is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible," the statement said. "We'll have no additional information at this time and we ask that you respect the privacy of Jim and his family as he recovers."The Irsay Collection event, a free concert set for Thursday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, is a showcase of Irsay's personal treasure trove of music artifacts collected over several decades. Irsay performed with his band and displayed rare and high-priced instruments in the collection at three live shows in 2023 -- a season kickoff event at Lucas Oil Stadium in September and shows in Boston and Las Vegas.
Texans clinch playoff berth by holding off Colts

Texans clinch playoff berth by holding off Colts

C.J. Stroud threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns Saturday night and the Houston Texans stopped the Indianapolis Colts on a late drive to secure a 23-19 win in Indianapolis and a spot in the AFC playoffs next weekend.Devin Singletary's tie-breaking 3-yard run up the middle snapped a 17-17 tie with 6:20 left in the game. Houston (10-7) completed an improbable journey from the second overall pick in last year's draft to the postseason, thanks to Stroud and first-year coach DeMeco Ryans.The Colts (9-8) drove to the Texans' 15-yard line on their final possession and faced 4th-and-1. After using a timeout, they opted for a pass play, but Tyler Goodson couldn't hold Gardner Minshew's throw in the left flat that probably would have gained first down yardage.Stroud completed 20 of 26 passes.The Texans could win the AFC South and earn a first-round home game next weekend if Jacksonville loses Sunday at Tennessee.Minshew was 13 of 24 passing for 141 yards, while Jonathan Taylor piled up 188 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries. His 49-yard run and Minshew's two-point conversion pass to Mo Alie-Cox boosted Indianapolis into a 14-14 tie with 9:56 remaining in the third quarter.
Colts RB Zack Moss (foreram) could return vs. Texans

Colts RB Zack Moss (foreram) could return vs. Texans

Indianapolis running back Zack Moss could return to the field after a two-game absence when the Colts host the Houston Texans in Saturday's AFC South showdown.Moss has been sidelined with a forearm injury but was listed by the Colts as questionable on Thursday, when he was a full participant at practice.Moss has rushed for career highs of 764 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games this season. He would likely split time with Jonathan Taylor (553 yards) during the pivotal game."It'd be big obviously to get Zack back out there if he's available to go," Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said. "It would be great. And to have that one-two punch back there -- what he's done all year has been awesome."The winner of Saturday's game between the two 9-7 teams will land a playoff spot. The loser will see their season conclude.Moss rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 when the Colts beat the Texans 31-20 in Houston.
Formula simple for Colts, Texans: Win and get in

Formula simple for Colts, Texans: Win and get in

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has led the Houston Texans to their first winning season since 2019.Now he wants a playoff berth.Stroud and Houston can earn that postseason spot Saturday night with a win in the regular-season finale on the road against another 9-7 playoff hopeful, the Indianapolis Colts.Indianapolis also would wrap up a postseason berth with a win. In addition, the Houston-Indianapolis winner would capture the AFC South title and get a home playoff game if the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) lose their Sunday road game against the Tennessee Titans."At the end of the day with this game, we have to execute," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "That's what it comes down to. ... You can get caught up in the hype of how big it is. Yeah, everyone understands that, but what does it matter when the ball is snapped? It doesn't. It matters about you executing, being where you are supposed to be and winning that snap."Stroud, in his first game back from a concussion that put him on the sideline for two games, was 24 of 32 for 213 yards last week, patiently picking apart the Titans with short passes. He fired a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brevin Jordan in the second quarter and led his team to a turnover-free performance.And in doing so, he reminded some that the uproar from last season's meaningless Week 18 game matching the Texans and Colts was much ado about nothing. Then-Houston coach Lovie Smith went for two and the win after a late touchdown -- and got it.When the victory cost the Texans the No. 1 overall pick that eventually went to Carolina via a trade with the Chicago Bears, Houston selected Stroud at No. 2 right after the Panthers tabbed Bryce Young. While Young has struggled amid franchise dysfunction, Stroud and Ryans have turned Houston into an immediate contender."(The) offense has done a really nice job all throughout the year," Ryans said. "Starting with Bobby (Slowik, the offensive coordinator) as he's led the offense through many different guys being in. ... It starts there, just being able to manage the roster and being able to work with whoever is available and still finding a way to get it done."Indianapolis enters Week 18 with the AFC's final wild-card spot in hand. Had things turned out differently, this could have been a matchup of rookie quarterbacks.Anthony Richardson, drafted by the Colts No. 4 overall last April, provided a tantalizing glimpse of his vast potential during a 31-20 thumping of Houston on Sept. 17, running for two first-quarter touchdowns before leaving due to a concussion.
Colts stay alive, eliminate Raiders from playoff contention

Colts stay alive, eliminate Raiders from playoff contention

Gardner Minshew threw for 224 yards and a touchdown while Jonathan Taylor ran for 96 yards and another score Sunday as the Indianapolis Colts kept their hopes for an AFC South title alive with a 23-20 win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.Matt Gay added second-half field goals of 38, 33 and 45 yards as the Colts (9-7) remained in a three-way tie with Jacksonville and Houston. They'll have to beat the Texans at home next week in their regular-season finale and hope the Jaguars lose at Tennessee to claim a division crown.Minshew completed 15 of 23 passes for Indianapolis, which can do no worse than clinch a wild-card spot by winning next week.Aidan O'Connell hit on 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas (7-9), which was eliminated from playoff consideration. Davante Adams caught 13 passes for 126 yards and two scores, including a 1-yard touchdown with 43 seconds remaining that pulled the Raiders within three points.However, an onside kick by Daniel Carlson was recovered by the Colts' Rodney Thomas and Minshew was able to take a knee to kill the clock.Indianapolis won despite being outgained 370-349.