Colts DT is back to active roster after serving 6-game suspension
Big Grove’s return will be warmly welcomed by the Colts, as he should significantly improve the team’s run defense once more.
Gruver Stewart, a defensive tackle with the Indianapolis Colts, has officially rejoined the team after serving a six-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.
His return ought to provide a big lift to the Colts’ run defense, which has been struggling greatly during his prolonged absence.
Opposing teams averaged over 157 total running yards and 4.7 yards per carry as Stewart served a six-game suspension. With him, the Colts were giving up about 3.7 yards per carry and 113 total rushing yards per game. In other words, when “Big Grove” is in good condition and active, it’s a major upgrade:
Grover Stewart is now back with the #Colts after serving his PEDs suspension. Shane Steichen: “His presence will be huge. Him being back will be big for us these next 5 games.”
The Colts have been depending on veteran Taven Bryan and second-year player Eric Johnson II during this time. However, Bryan is a natural pass rusher, and Johnson, although he has shown some early promise as a rotational interior defender, is not the run-stuffering talent of Jonathan Stewart.
Stewart is in a contract year, but his absence has shown how valuable he is. If the Colts believe that Stewart’s one-time PED infraction was just an honest error, then Stewart should be in the running for a lucrative multi-year contract extension.
The Colts boast one of the best defensive tackle tandems in football right now with All-Pro DeForest Buckner. With Stewart back, the Colts should be able to improve from their current league-average run defense to one that is at least somewhat stronger.
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