Here is an updated look at the Colts’ linebacker depth chart following two recent roster moves.
Following the Indianapolis Colts’ latest roster moves, what does the depth chart at the linebacker position now look like?
On Tuesday, the team announced that they signed linebacker Buddy Johnson off the Dallas practice squad. The Colts then released Cameron McGrone as the corresponding roster move to make room for Johnson.
A former fourth-round draft pick in 2021, Johnson has played just 14 career defensive snaps. He emerged as a key special teams contributor with Dallas in 2024.
McGrone, who made the Colts’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp, was in a rotational role with Joe Bachie, but his playing time was quickly reduced and included him playing just eight snaps in Week 2 and none this past Sunday against the Rams.
The Colts continue to search for answers at that starting linebacker position next to Zaire Franklin. Bachie continues to be a starter, but most recently, both Austin Ajiake and Chad Muma each saw their share of playing time as well.
The Colts also hope to have Jaylon Carlies back in the mix as well, as he works his way back from a training camp injury.
In part, as Lou Anarumo has said previously, this is a position that he likes to rotate players at based on the matchup and in-game situations. Having several players who can fill different roles also makes the defense more versatile.
However, it seems clear that the Colts are also looking for answers at linebacker as well.
“I think in a perfect world,” Anarumo said of the linebacker position, “you’d have one guy out there that does it, but we’re falling into a little bit of a flow now and I like the guys that are rolling through there and we’ll see how it goes. But if we have a couple guys man one spot, there’s nothing wrong with that.
“The more guys that can have roles on the defense, the more it will help because those guys are also involved in special teams and if the rep count gets high for one reason or the other, and then they can do different jobs, whether whatever package it may be. So far so good and it doesn’t bother me doing it that way.”
Indianapolis Colts‘ linebacker depth chart after roster movesZaire FranklinJoe BachieAustin AjiakeChad MumaSegun OlubiBuddy Johnson