Colts Surprisingly Release Veteran Receiver Amid Trio of Moves

On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts made several roster moves as the regular season is about a week and a half from beginning at Lucas Oil Stadium. Defensive tackle McTelvin Agim and offensive lineman Carter O’Donnell were waived while wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie was released.

We have claimed T Ryan Hayes, DE Isaiah Land and G Josh Sills off waivers, waived DT McTelvin Agim and G/T Carter O'Donnell, and released WR Isaiah McKenzie.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 30, 2023

To start was defensive lineman Agim. The former Denver Broncos player showed a few signs of his potential with the Colts during all three preseason contests. However, the minimal positive notes were overlapped by inefficient tackling. Per Pro Football Focus, Agim graded at 28.0, which was one of the worst on the team and dead last for interior linemen or edge rushers on the team (15 possible).

Agim did show glimpses of a decent pass-rusher with Indianapolis, so perhaps he will be able to land back on his feet sooner, rather than later.

Next is O’Donnell at guard/tackle. Like Agim, O’Donnell got a chance to play in every preseason contest with the Colts. O’Donnell is no stranger to Indianapolis, as he’s played for the practice squad in the past. However, he’ll be available for waiver pickup after playing sub-par during his snaps.

O’Donnell would impress with pass-blocking, grading a nice 77.9 on 127 total snaps (72 passing). But, he would struggle in the ground game with 46.7 and didn’t stand out among his competition. Could the Colts end up bringing back O’Donnell as they did before? Time will tell.

Lastly, and perhaps the most surprising on this list, is veteran wide receiver McKenzie. McKenzie previously played with the Broncos and Buffalo Bills. He was coming off of a career season in Buffalo and was to bring slot-receiving stability to the team along with rookie Josh Downs. However, this is now not the case as he’s open to being picked up by other teams.

Perhaps more surprising than the receiving acumen is McKenzie’s kick/punt returning abilities, which were believed to be good enough for him to handle those duties for the Colts. But, with cornerback Dallis Flowers having solid skills in that department it could be a good enough reason for Indy to part ways for now. Factor in that Downs has already supplanted the six-year vet as the starting slot receiver and it diminishes McKenzie’s value further.

This could also be to make room for players that Indy may put on injured reserve, like tight end Jelani Woods who had a torn hamstring revealed as his injury. This alone could keep Woods out for at least four or more weeks. If the Colts place him on Injured Reserve and McKenzie is still on the waiver wire, the Colts may bring him back again.

*Update: McKenzie has been re-signed by the Colts as Woods was placed on injured reserve.

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