The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday that they have elevated guard Atonio Mafi from the practice squad for the upcoming Week 12 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
In addition to this transaction, the Colts also activated Tyquan Lewis from injured reserve and waived Genard Avery as the corresponding roster move.
Each week, teams can elevate up to two players from the practice squad to the gameday roster. Oftentimes, these moves are made at a position where there is an injury. Each practice squad player can be elevated up to three times over the course of the season. This is Mafi’s second time being elevated.
Mafi is a former fifth-round pick by the New Engalnd Patriots in the 2023 draft out of UCLA. He had a fairly big role as a rookie, playing 458 regular season snaps over 12 games, most of which came at left guard.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mafi allowed 32 pressures and five sacks. He was released by New England during roster cutdowns and then signed to the Indianapolis practice squad.
The Colts are going to be without left tackle Bernhard Raimann this week with him already being ruled out due to a knee injury. Mafi bolsters the overall offensive line depth, although as already noted, he is a guard, not a tackle.
Matt Goncalves is in line to get this third start of the season while Blake Freeland will be the first tackle off the bench.
