Colts Make Two Roster Additions After Firing GM Chris Ballard

Following the firing of general manager Chris Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts made two roster additions on Tuesday. Assistant GM Ed Dodds, who will spearhead many roster changes, signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and punter Thomas Morstead to the practice squad. Hardman, who played in his eighth NFL season, was released by the Buffalo Bills prior to the 2026 season beginning.

Morstead, however, did not participate in the 2025 season after spending last year with the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts have faced numerous wide receiver injuries this season, with Alec Pierce and D.J. Montgomery currently on the injured reserve list. Pierce recently inked a substantial four-year, $114 million contract, yet has only appeared in two games due to a heel injury.

The team currently has only one active receiver, Keenan Allen, who has scored a touchdown this season. The Colts are in need of a dependable receiver to score points, a task that should not prove challenging in the NFL. While it remains uncertain whether Hardman will fill this role, the team is taking action. The Colts' kicker, Rigoberto Sanchez, is currently uncertain for the future following a foot injury sustained on Sunday.

This explains why the team sought a potential replacement punter, resulting in the signing of Morstead. The Colts required a fresh start after their recent 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Speculation is underway regarding potential trades for various players, including veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, running back Jonathan Taylor, and guard Quenton Nelson, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

The Colts could undergo a complete transformation in the upcoming weeks. The team aims to end their two-game losing streak on Sunday when they face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. At this point, any assistance they can obtain is valuable.