Before they return to the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for their Week 8 matchup with Houston, the Indianapolis Colts announced a pair of practice squad moves.
Back on the practice squad is wide receiver Ethan Fernea. The corresponding move to make room for Fernea was releasing kicker Spencer Shrader–a move that has literally become a weekly occurrence.
Fernea has done his own bit of back-and-forth with the Colts recently. With Josh Downs, Michael Pittman, and Alec Pierce on the injury report last week, the Colts signed Fernea to the practice squad for receiver depth during practice.
However, with EJ Speed being downgraded to doubtful on the Saturday before the Colts’ game against Miami, Indianapolis chose to bolster the linebacker depth on the practice squad, bringing back Austin Ajiake–who was initially released to make room for Fernea–and then releasing Fernea as the corresponding move.
Fernea was with the Colts–primarily on the practice squad–during the 2022 and 2023 seasons as well as this offseason. During those two years, he appeared in four games on special teams.
He appeared in the Colts’ first preseason game this past August, playing three special teams snaps and 16 on offense. However, after suffering an injury in mid-August, Fernea was waived-injured.
Also on the practice squad at the receiver position are DJ Montgomery and Laquon Treadwell.
The Wednesday injury report will be released later today, at which point we will see if any of the Colts’ other receivers are listed on it.