Stampede Blue
According to the league wire, recently waived-injured Indianapolis Colts linebacker Joe Bachie has been signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad, after working out for the AFC South rival earlier this week.
During 5 starts for the Colts earlier this season, Bachie recorded 26 tackles (11 solo) and a pass defensed, but largely struggled in both run defense and pass coverage before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.
Per PFF, he earned just a +45.4 overall grade this season with the Colts, which ranked 124th out of 140 total qualifying linebackers.
Seeking to upgrade the linebacker position, the Colts added surprisingly available, released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders, who actually led the Indianapolis defense in total tackles during last weekend’s home win against the Arizona Cardinals.
Given Bachie’s recent poor performance and a more crowded Indy linebacker room—and with him now seemingly healthy and ready to be activated off I.R., it made sense for the Colts to cut ties with the former Cincinnati Bengals core special teamer, who largely struggled in a new starter’s role with the Indianapolis defense. His reunion with his former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo didn’t go as well as initially planned.
As far as other Colts are concerned, it’s also worth noting that the Denver Broncos also released former Indianapolis backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who was with Indianapolis from 2021-23.
Given his familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen’s offense and system, it’s possible he could be a candidate for the Colts QB3 job, even with the recent practice squad addition of backup quarterback Brett Rypien earlier this week.
The Colts are down their primary backup quarterback, as 3rd-year pro Anthony Richardson went on injured reserve earlier this week with an orbital bone fracture that was suffered during pre-game preparations with a medical band last weekend in what’s clearly considered a freak accident of sorts. He’ll miss at least four weeks until he’s first eligible to return off of injured reserve.
