INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts' injured reserve list continues to shrink in size.
The team on Tuesday continued that process, removing three more players — wide receiver Matt Hazel and defensive ends Anthony Johnson and Chris McCain — from IR.
The team waived Hazel from IR, reached an injury settlement with Johnson, who was released, and outright released McCain from IR.
Heading into the start of the regular season, the Colts had more than 20 players on injured reserve for a variety of reasons — some more major than others.
Since that time, the list has been whittled down to 12 players on IR; tackle J'Marcus Webb was just placed on IR today after suffering a hamstring injury late in last Sunday's 2018 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hazel had a short second stint with the Colts, signing with the team on Aug. 12 and briefly participating in training camp practices, but not playing in any preseason games due to an Achilles injury. He has appeared in nine career games (one start) in his time with the Cleveland Browns (2017), Colts (2017), Washington Redskins (2016), Buffalo Bills (2016) and Miami Dolphins (2014-15). In 2017, Hazel played in four games with Indianapolis.
Johnson, who was originally signed to the Colts' practice squad last November before being moved to the active roster late in the season, played in four games in Indianapolis in 2017, finishing with one tackle and one special teams stop. He had three tackles (one for a loss) and one quarterback hit in preseason action this year before being placed on IR Sept. 1 with a back injury.
McCain was signed by the Colts as a free agent on May 8 after playing in 35 career games with the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers. McCain had five tackles (one for a loss) with two quarterback hits during preseason action with the Colts this year before being placed on IR on Sept. 1 with an ankle injury.
Including today's moves, the Colts have also waived tackle Jared Machorro and reached injury settlements with linebacker Tyrell Adams, wide receiver K.J. Brent, tackle Tyreek Burwell, linebacker Jeremiah George, wide receiver Krishawn Hogan, safety T.J. Green — all of whom were on IR.
Those who remain on IR for the Colts: wide receiver Deon Cain, defensive tackle Johnathan Calvin, safety Chris Cooper, running back Josh Ferguson, cornerback Robert Jackson, quarterback Brad Kaaya, defensive tackle/end Tyquan Lewis, safety Ronald Martin, safety Robenson Therezie, tight end Ross Travis, Webb and wide receiver James Wright.
