Colts Activate DL Dayo Odeyingbo from NFI List; Waive RB Jordan Wilkins Among 53-Man Roster Moves

The Colts made a number of roster moves on Saturday—including an early round rookie’s activation and one surprising cut.

The Indianapolis Colts announced a number of active 53-man roster moves ahead of Sunday’s pivotal divisional clash against the Tennessee Titans:

Of course, among the biggest moves are the Colts activating 2021 2nd round pick Dayo Odeyingbo from the Non-football Injury List and waiving former 2018 5th round pick Jordan Wilkins, who had recently just begun practicing again following a lengthy absence from a listed non-football illness.

Odeyingo had also been recently practicing following his rehabilitation from a season-ending torn Achilles he suffered last season collegiately with the Vanderbilt Commodores—and the Colts would’ve had one more week to potentially activate him otherwise.

The 6’6”, 276 pound and incredibly long armed (35 1/4”) defensive lineman could add another versatile pass rusher along the Colts defensive line—similar to departed veteran Denico Autry’s old role. The 2020 All-SEC defensive lineman could eventually become a key contributor as he works himself back from an often explosion-sapping injury.

For what it’s worth, he is immediately eligible to play Sunday against the Titans—maybe even as a rotational backup in limited snaps.

The Colts waived defensive tackle Khalil Davis to make room in the defensive line room.

Meanwhile, it looked like Wilkins was finally back and had a shot to become the Colts third-string running back again—assuming veteran Marlon Mack was moved ahead of next week’s trade deadline. Instead, it looks like Mack may be here to stay after all, while Wilkins may still have lingering effects from his illness—otherwise, elevating Jackson makes little sense.

Wilkins had rushed for 951 rushing yards on 195 carries (4.9 ypc. avg.) and 4 rushing touchdowns during 49 career games (4 starts) with the Colts in four seasons. He had appeared in 4 games for the Colts during the 2021 campaign—but with no carries.

Lastly, 2nd-year linebacker Jordan Glasgow returning should provide a special teams boost as one of the Colts’ top standouts there, while veteran safety Josh Jones should bring an experienced emergency backup and another special teams contributor into the fold.

It’s worth noting that the Colts neither promoted another veteran safety, Jahleel Addae, nor cornerback Darqueze Dennard—as the recently signed practice squad pair tries to pick up their defensive playbook and system and/or could merely be considered insurance options.