The Indianapolis Colts have made a notable adjustment to their cornerback roster by promoting David Long Jr. to the active team. On Tuesday, the Colts announced the signing of Long Jr. from the practice squad, while simultaneously re-signing rookie running back Trent Pennix to the practice squad in a corresponding move.
We have signed CB David Long Jr. to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
The team also signed RB Trent Pennix to the practice squad.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 8, 2024
This promotion fills the vacant roster spot left after the unexpected release of fellow cornerback Dallis Flowers on Monday. Flowers’ release came after he allowed an 85-yard touchdown to Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Brian Thomas Jr. during the Colts’ loss on Sunday. Long Jr., who was initially signed to the Colts’ practice squad in early September, now steps into this position.
David Long Jr. was originally drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. A former standout at Michigan and a first-team All-Big Ten selection, Long Jr. has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants. His professional career spans six seasons, during which he has played in 68 games, including 12 starts. Over that time, Long Jr. has accumulated 96 tackles (82 solo), eight passes defensed, and one interception.
At 5’11” and 196 pounds, with a 30 3/4” arm length, Long Jr. is typically seen as a natural fit for the slot cornerback position. However, similar to Samuel Womack III, who now plays on the outside for the Colts despite initially being seen as a slot corner, Long Jr. could potentially see action both inside and outside the formation. Regardless of where he lines up defensively, he is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams and provide valuable depth to the Colts’ secondary.
The Colts hope that Long Jr.’s experience and versatility will bolster their defense as they look to recover from recent challenges in the cornerback room.
