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Germaine Pratt returns to the Colts, aiming to steady the linebacker room in his second run
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 14, 4:14 PM EDT

Germaine Pratt returns to the Colts, aiming to steady the linebacker room in his second run

Signed to the Colts’ practice squad on Tuesday after an Oct. 2025 stint that included 12 starts, the veteran linebacker says his job is to stabilize the defense and help it settle into the system.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Indianapolis Colts brought back veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt on Tuesday, signing him to the practice squad as he begins his second run with the franchise.

Pratt, 30, started 12 games for the Colts in 2025, when he totaled 101 tackles along with a forced fumble and an interception. The move now places him back in the same linebacker environment built around defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s scheme.

Before this return to playing, Pratt was not on an NFL roster. He spent time over the summer as a volunteer coach at North Carolina State, working with the Wolfpack’s linebackers, and he later drew a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys that did not lead to a signing.

In his remarks surrounding the practice squad signing, Pratt emphasized leadership and stability for the Colts’ defense, pointing to familiarity with the system and a willingness to be prepared for an opportunity when it comes.

The Colts have been searching for consistent production at linebacker. Through Week 5, their snaps have been split among Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Ajiake, CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher, while starting WILL linebacker Jaylon Carlies was listed as out with ribs. The organization sees Pratt’s experience as a stabilizing addition, especially within an Anarumo defense.

Whether Pratt factors into the active roster immediately, including for the Colts’ Sunday game against the Tennessee Titans, was not confirmed and was described as too early to determine given his first practice of the 2026 season came on Wednesday.

Why It Matters

  • For Indianapolis, adding a veteran like Pratt is aimed at improving continuity at a position group that has seen multiple personnel options.
  • Pratt’s familiarity with Lou Anarumo’s defensive approach is central to why the Colts view him as a stabilizing presence.
  • The move also creates a realistic pathway for a midweek or Sunday elevation if the Colts choose to use their practice squad flexibility.
  • If Pratt is able to translate his experience quickly, he could play a role in tightening tackling and turnover creation in the linebacker corps.

Sources

Key Facts

  • The Colts signed veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt (30) to their practice squad on Tuesday.
  • Pratt started 12 games for Indianapolis in 2025, recording 101 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
  • He spent the summer as a volunteer coach at North Carolina State and later had a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys that did not result in a contract.
  • Pratt has worked under Lou Anarumo for multiple seasons, including Bengals (2019-2024) and Colts (2025).
  • In 2026 Week 5, linebacker snaps were divided among Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Ajiake, CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher, while starting WILL linebacker Jaylon Carlies was out with ribs.
  • Pratt’s stated goal is to bring leadership and help stabilize the Colts’ linebacker room, though his immediate availability for Sunday was described as uncertain.