Following their preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts announced two roster moves on Monday: claiming running back Demetric Felton off waivers and waiving/injuring UDFA running back Trent Pennix.
The inclusion of a running back was nearly expected after Pennix left Sunday’s game with a groin injury and Trey Sermon with a hamstring ailment. Prior to Felton, the Colts had only four running backs on the roster, which is insufficient with two joint sessions and a preseason game scheduled over the next few days.
Felton was a former sixth-round pick by Cleveland in 2021 out of UCLA and was recently released by Chicago, which put him on waivers.
Felton has played in 24 NFL games, all with the Browns throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons. During that time, Felton had a bigger effect in the passing game, with only eight career carries for 20 yards compared to 20 receptions on 26 targets for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
Felton, as a pass catcher, adds versatility to the running back position, as he can line up out wide or in the slot.
Over the last two years, Felton has played 247 special teams snaps, with 10 career kick returns and 39 punt returns. Felton averaged 18.3 yards per kickoff return and 6.9 yards per punt return, perhaps adding depth to the Colts’ training camp while Josh Downs is away.
If Sermon is unable to play, Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull will assist Jonathan Taylor in covering his absence. There are currently no updates on Sermon’s status for this week.