The Colts signed DT Josh Tupou on July 28 after placing OT Jack Wilson on IR. See how the veteran addition impacts the D-line ahead of the 2024 season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Training camp at Grand Park is in full swing, and the roster moves are already heating up. On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts made a significant move to bolster their defensive front, signing veteran defensive tackle Josh Tupou. The move comes as the team grapples with early injuries, placing developmental offensive tackle Jack Wilson on Injured Reserve, a stark reminder of the physical toll of camp.
The 6'11 developmental prospect and former college basketball player, Jack Wilson, heads to Injured Reserve.
The newest Colt, Josh Tupou, brings a veteran presence to the interior defensive line. At 31, he's a seasoned run-stopper who spent last season with the Ravens and the majority of his career with the rival Bengals. While he only played three games in 2024, his experience provides valuable depth and competition in a group looking to solidify its rotation. With roster cutdowns looming on August 26, Tupou has a short window to impress the coaching staff and prove he belongs on the final 53-man roster. His arrival signals the front office's commitment to ensuring the defensive trenches are stout.
Unfortunately, with every new opportunity comes a setback for someone else. The Colts placed massive 6'11" offensive tackle Jack Wilson on Injured Reserve after he suffered a pectoral injury last week. The former college basketball player was a fascinating developmental project for the team, spending last season on the practice squad. This injury is a tough blow to his progress. Meanwhile, the defense continues to practice without one of its leaders, as linebacker Zaire Franklin remains sidelined while recovering from offseason ankle surgery. His absence is felt daily, putting more pressure on the rest of the linebacker corps to step up during camp.
The backdrop for all this activity is the daily grind at Grand Park. Monday's practice, running from 10:00 to 11:15 AM, was another critical evaluation period for General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen. These sessions are where roster spots are won and lost. For a player like Tupou, it's a chance to make an immediate impact. For the players filling in for Franklin, it's an opportunity to prove their value. Every drill and every rep carries immense weight as the team builds towards the 2025 season.
The early days of training camp are always a whirlwind of new faces, unfortunate injuries, and intense competition. The addition of a veteran like Tupou and the loss of a project like Wilson are perfect examples of the roster churn. All eyes will now be on how quickly Tupou can integrate into the defensive line rotation and, more importantly, when the defensive captain Zaire Franklin can return to the field. The road to the August 26 cutdowns is just getting started, and these first few moves have set a serious tone for the battles to come.
