Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.
Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.
I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is defensive end Genard Avery. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.
2023 Season Review
The Colts signed Avery in early June prior to the 2023 season beginning. Avery was putting together a solid training camp but, unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-August.
A 2018 draft pick, Avery has appeared in 62 games in his career with 17 starts, 12 of which came with Philadelphia in 2021. He would play only 72 snaps with Tampa Bay in 2022. Over his career, he’s recorded 8.5 sacks, 106 total tackles, and 29 quarterback hits.
The Colts re-signed Avery to a one-year deal this past spring worth $1.125 million.
2024 Season Preview
As we all know, the Colts are extremely deep at the defensive end position, with Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Samson Ebukam, Laiatu Latu, and Tyquan Lewis at the top of the depth chat. With five players typically being the maximum number that a team will keep at defensive end, it’s difficult to envision Avery making the initial 53-man roster.
Three ways that Avery can try to separate himself are with his performance on special teams and in his ability against the run–teams always need more help in that regard.
Another important element will be Avery’s versatility, potentially showcasing that he can play inside where the fourth defensive tackle spot in the rotation is up for grabs, although Avery has played just about every snap in his NFL career at edge rusher.
Avery will be entering his seventh NFL season, which could also make it challenging for him to make the practice squad. Oftentimes teams want young, developmental players on the practice squad and not veterans on one-year deals.
Isaiah Land and Titus Leo, who are entering their second seasons, with Land playing 31 defensive snaps in 2023, seem to be more likely practice squad candidates, especailly with an already experienced group on the 53-man roster.
