The Indianapolis Colts have added two veterans who haven’t played in an NFL regular season game since 2021: wide receiver Greg Ward and defensive end Derek Rivers.
Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen has a history with Greg Ward, having worked with him during their two seasons together with the Philadelphia Eagles (2020-2021). The former Houston Cougars quarterback turned NFL wide receiver recorded 88 receptions for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns during his time in Philadelphia, with 60 catches for 514 yards and 9 touchdowns coming under Steichen as the offensive coordinator.
Ward stayed with the Eagles in 2022 but spent the season on injured reserve and fluctuated between the practice squad and active roster in 2023. Now, he’s reuniting with Steichen in Indianapolis.
The Colts also signed defensive lineman Derek Rivers, who has 3.5 sacks over 24 NFL appearances. Like Ward, Rivers was part of the 2017 draft class and has been an inactive member of Super Bowl-winning teams. These signings corresponded with the waiving of safety Kendell Brooks and waived/injured designation for wide receiver Ethan Fernea.
Ward is expected to provide depth at the bottom of the Colts’ wide receiver roster, contributing not only as a receiver but also as a punt returner, especially with injuries to Josh Downs and Ethan Fernea. Rivers is likely to fill a role as a camp body or practice squad player at defensive end, given the loss of Samson Ebukam and limited playing time for Genard Avery.
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https://stampedeblue.com/2024/8/14/24220329/report-colts-sign-wr-greg-ward-and-de-derek-rivers
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