Colts Keep Edwards on Practice Squad
The green turf stretches out under the stadium lights as Indianapolis adjusts its corner unit, keeping a familiar face close while letting another walk away.
The grass smells of rain and cut turf as Johnathan Edwards steps back onto the Indianapolis practice field. He is a 6-foot-1, 201-pound figure who spent the first week on the active roster but never touched the ball in a live game. Now, he remains on the practice squad, a quiet presence on the sideline of the team he joined as an undrafted free agent last May.
The move comes with a release. Robert Carter Jr., a 5-foot-10, 175-pound veteran from the Canadian Football League, is let go from the same roster. The swap is subtle but significant, a reshuffling of depth that keeps Edwards in the building while clearing space. It is a decision rooted in the long view of the season, not the immediate heat of Week 1.
A Rookie Season Of Impact
Edwards proved his worth in 2025, making five starts and playing in 14 games. He recorded 24 tackles, 18 of them solo, showing a physicality that fits the Colts' defensive scheme. He added three passes defensed and two stops on special teams, filling out his stat line with quiet, consistent work. Yahoo Sports notes that his ability to hold his ground against larger receivers made him a reliable option for the coaching staff, even if his time on the field in Week 1 was limited.
The numbers from his rookie year are more than just lines on a sheet. They represent a player who adapted quickly to the speed of the NFL, finding his rhythm in the secondary. His performance earned him a spot on the practice squad, a place where he can continue to develop without the pressure of a guaranteed starting role. It is a step back, but one that keeps him within reach of the first team.
A Long Road To Indy
Before Indianapolis, Edwards forged his path in the college ranks. He played for the Indiana State Sycameres from 2021 through 2023, building a reputation as a hard-nosed defender. He then transferred to Tulane, adding another layer to his experience. Across 45 career games, he tallied 124 tackles, 86 of which were solo, along with 22 passes defensed and one forced fumble.
His journey is a testament to perseverance. Moving from the Big Ten to the SEC and then to the NFL required a constant adjustment of pace and intensity. Each step added to his toolkit, preparing him for the physical demands of professional football. Now, in Indianapolis, he has the chance to translate that college grit into a lasting NFL career.
The Departure Of Carter
Robert Carter Jr.’s time with the Colts is brief but notable. He signed with the practice squad on August 31, bringing experience from 18 regular-season games with the BC Lions in 2025. His presence offered a different perspective, a veteran’s eye on the secondary. But the team’s direction points elsewhere, favoring Edwards’ potential over Carter’s immediate availability.
The release is a standard part of roster management, a necessary pruning to allow the best players to thrive. Carter’s departure clears a spot, allowing the Colts to maintain their depth while keeping Edwards in the fold. It is a calculated move, one that balances the needs of the present with the investments of the future.
