Colts Re-Sign Johnathan Edwards to Practice Squad in Cornerback Shuffle

As the NFL season hits its stride in mid-September, the Indianapolis Colts made a calculated move to bolster their cornerback depth on Tuesday, re-signing Johnathan Edwards to the practice squad while waiving Robert Carter Jr. in a corresponding roster transaction. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the move comes just a day after Edwards was waived by Indianapolis and subsequently cleared league waivers, keeping the 24-year-old defensive back within the organization’s pipeline for potential elevation.

A Familiar Face Returns to Indianapolis

Edwards, an undrafted free agent out of Tulane in 2025, has shown flashes of promise despite limited opportunities. As a rookie last season, he appeared in 14 games, starting five due to injuries in the cornerback room, and recorded 26 tackles (19 solo) and three passes defensed. His speed, athleticism, and special teams potential made him an intriguing developmental piece for the Colts, but a crowded depth chart and a healthy scratch against the Baltimore Ravens last weekend signaled his tenuous grip on a 53-man roster spot.

With cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt returning from a one-game suspension, Indianapolis faced a numbers crunch, and Edwards became the odd man out. However, the team’s decision to bring him back to the practice squad underscores their belief in his long-term upside. As highlighted on Vulius, this is a classic case of a team valuing a player’s traits enough to keep him in the building, even if immediate roster spots are scarce.

What This Means for the Colts’ Secondary

The Colts’ cornerback room remains fluid, and Edwards could find himself back on the active roster if injuries strike again—a scenario that isn’t far-fetched given the physical demands of the position. His familiarity with the system and special teams versatility make him a prime candidate for elevation on game days. For now, he’ll continue to develop behind the scenes, waiting for his next opportunity.

From a broader perspective, this move reflects the Colts’ strategic approach to roster management. By retaining Edwards on the practice squad, they maintain a safety net while giving younger players like Carter a chance to prove themselves. It’s a low-risk, high-reward maneuver that could pay dividends down the line.

“The Colts clearly liked him enough to keep him within their organization, and who knows, if another injury or two happen again, he could find himself right back on their 53-man active roster,” a team source told Vulius Sports.

Fantasy and Betting Implications

For fantasy football enthusiasts and bettors, this transaction is a reminder to monitor practice squad elevations, especially in deeper leagues. Edwards isn’t a fantasy relevant asset yet, but his potential to contribute on special teams could impact kickoff and punt return matchups. As the season progresses, keep an eye on the Colts’ injury report—if the cornerback corps thins out, Edwards could become a name to know.

At Vulius, we’ll continue to track this developing story and provide in-depth analysis on all NFL roster moves. Stay tuned for more updates as the Colts navigate the 2026 season.