The Indianapolis Colts have bolstered their defense by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Genard Avery to their active roster. Avery’s promotion comes after the Colts placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, creating a need for additional depth on the defensive line. Avery, who has been part of the Colts organization since 2023, missed all of last season due to injury. Although he was re-signed in March of 2024, he did not initially make the final roster. Instead, he began the season on the practice squad, where he waited for another opportunity to prove himself.
Avery’s chance to contribute comes at a critical juncture for the Colts. The team has faced challenges on the defensive front, and with Buckner sidelined, the need for a versatile edge rusher like Avery is even more pronounced. While Avery’s role may initially be as a depth piece, this is his opportunity to showcase his skills and demonstrate that he can be more than just a practice squad player. His experience and tenacity will be valuable assets as the Colts aim to maintain a strong defensive presence despite the loss of one of their top players.
Avery’s path to the Colts has been marked by several transitions throughout his NFL career. He joined the Steelers in 2022 during their training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, but the fit between him and the team was less than ideal, leading to his release before the regular season. Shortly after, he was picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although his time with them was brief as well.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of the University of Memphis, Avery began his NFL journey with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent his first two seasons from 2018 to 2019. During his rookie year, Avery made an immediate impact, recording 4.5 sacks and showing promise as a pass rusher. However, after a strong start, his role diminished, and in 2019, the Browns traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Avery found a more stable role in Philadelphia, where he played from 2019 to 2021. His longest stint in the NFL was with the Eagles, during which he served as a rotational player on their defensive line. Over his NFL career, Avery has recorded 8.5 sacks, with his versatility allowing him to line up as both a defensive end and an outside linebacker. Despite some inconsistency in his production, Avery’s athleticism and experience give him the potential to make meaningful contributions to the Colts’ defense.
The Colts will be looking to Avery to help solidify a pass rush that has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. As they navigate the challenges of Buckner’s absence, players like Avery will be key to maintaining the team’s defensive strength. For Avery, this opportunity represents a pivotal moment in his career, as he has the chance to prove that he can once again be a reliable player in the NFL. His journey has been one of perseverance, and now, with a fresh opportunity in Indianapolis, he’ll be looking to make the most of his time on the active roster.
