Colts Finalize Roster: Tenuta Elevated, Jones Waived Ahead of Ravens Opener

Key points

• Luke Tenuta, a 6-foot-8, 314-pound tackle, was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster to provide backup depth behind starters Bernhard Raimann and Jalen Travis.
• Jaylon Jones, a 2023 seventh-round pick who started 29 games over three seasons, was waived after failing to fit into the defensive scheme under coordinator Lou Anarumo.
• Kenny Fletcher Jr., a 6-foot-3, 250-pound tight end from Rutgers, was signed to the practice squad after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• The waiver of Jones leaves the Colts with limited backup cornerback depth for Week 1, especially with Cam Taylor-Britt serving a suspension.
• Tenuta has played in seven career games, including four for the Colts in 2025, while Jones recorded 157 tackles and 21 passes defensed in 44 career games.

Background

These moves come as the NFL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. The Colts had previously struggled with offensive tackle depth, relying on starting right guard Matt Goncalves as a potential backup. The waiver of Jones follows a period where he showed promise in preseason but was deemed a poor fit for the current defensive strategy. The team's recent roster adjustments, including the signing of Fletcher Jr., reflect efforts to balance immediate needs with long-term depth.

How outlets are covering it

Stampede Blue emphasizes the strategic mismatch between Jaylon Jones and the defensive scheme, suggesting he may thrive in a zone-heavy system elsewhere. They also highlight the precarious nature of the Colts' offensive tackle depth prior to Tenuta's elevation. Colts.com provides a neutral, factual summary of the moves, detailing the players' career statistics and physical attributes. CBS Sports focuses on Fletcher Jr. as an extreme depth option behind Tyler Warren, noting his release from the Buccaneers. WISH-TV frames the moves as critical preparations for the Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting the immediate impact on the team's depth chart.

Why it matters

These roster decisions directly impact the Colts' ability to compete in the opening game against the Baltimore Ravens. The elevation of Tenuta addresses a critical gap in offensive line depth, while the waiver of Jones raises questions about the team's secondary stability. The signing of Fletcher Jr. adds a versatile option at tight end, potentially providing flexibility in offensive schemes. These moves reflect the team's strategic priorities as they enter the regular season.

What to watch

The Colts will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, where the impact of these roster moves will be evident. The team may need to make additional adjustments to their cornerback depth if injuries occur. Fletcher Jr. will compete for a spot on the active roster in the coming weeks, while Tenuta will aim to secure a role as a reliable backup. The performance of these players in the early games will determine the team's long-term roster decisions.