Colts bolster secondary by claiming CB Kapena Gushiken off waivers, release OT Luke Tenuta

The Indianapolis Colts claimed cornerback Kapena Gushiken off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles and, in the same transaction cycle, released tackle Luke Tenuta, the team announced on Monday. The move gives the Colts an additional option to evaluate in their defensive back group while trimming a player from the offensive line rotation.

For the Colts, the claim is a direct bet on depth and football fit. Waiver claims typically come with limited information compared with players already settled into a team’s system, so the immediate emphasis tends to fall on how quickly a new defensive back can learn coverage responsibilities and communicate at full speed. Cornerback is also a premium position in today’s NFL, where teams routinely need multiple bodies to handle matchups, special teams assignments, and the pace of weekly defensive plans.

Tenuta’s release, by contrast, reflects the constant churn along the offensive line as teams finalize roles for the regular season. Even when a tackle has practiced with the group, roster decisions often hinge on availability, versatility across positions, and how coaches want the unit to function in pass protection and run blocking schemes. Releasing Tenuta indicates the Colts are no longer keeping him on the active roster as they move forward.

The Eagles’ involvement adds another layer to the transaction. When a player is claimed off waivers, the original team relinquishes the chance to keep that player on its own roster. In practical terms, the Colts are taking the Eagles out of the picture for Gushiken, while also indicating that Philadelphia is willing to move on from Tenuta on the other side of the deal.

What to watch next is how quickly the Colts integrate Gushiken into the defensive and special-teams plans. A waiver claim can turn into a meaningful role if the player demonstrates reliability in coverage assignments and a willingness to contribute outside the starting lineup. On the offensive line side, the Colts’ next step will likely include identifying the new internal depth plan after releasing Tenuta, whether through returning to practice group looks or pursuing additional personnel.