Colts GM Chris Ballard on Keenan Allen: Give him some grace Wide receiver Keenan Allen remains with the Indianapolis Colts for their Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, despite being arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated over the weekend. General Manager Chris Ballard confirmed at a Tuesday press conference that Allen will be in the team’s lineup for the matchup, stating the incident does not appear to affect the team’s decision. Ballard emphasized that the team’s focus is on Allen’s contributions and his history in the NFL, which has not indicated any pattern of behavior warranting disciplinary action. Ballard declined to comment on the specifics of Allen’s arrest, instead framing the situation as a matter of personal accountability. “What I’m gonna tell you is good people make mistakes,” he said, adding that Allen is a “tremendous human being” who deserves grace as he navigates the legal process. The GM reiterated that the team will handle any internal discipline through its own processes, though Allen is also subject to potential league sanctions under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The Colts’ decision to retain Allen aligns with Ballard’s statement that the team’s stance is based on Allen’s role as a player and his past conduct within the organization. Ballard did not specify the nature of any potential disciplinary actions, focusing instead on the broader message of giving Allen space to address the legal matter. The team’s approach reflects a balance between acknowledging the seriousness of the incident and maintaining support for the player’s professional responsibilities.#indianapolis_colts #baltimore_ravens #chris_ballard #keenan_allen #week_1_game
Colts WR Keenan Allen Expected to Play Season Opener Despite Arrest INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is set to play in the team’s season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, according to general manager Chris Ballard. Allen was arrested on Sunday morning for drunken driving, charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. The NFL has not yet commented on the incident, and Ballard indicated the league may wait until adjudication before taking disciplinary action. However, the Colts have stated that any internal discipline will not result in Allen missing games. Ballard addressed the situation during a press conference, stating, “I’m not going to comment on what happened, but what I’m going to tell you is good people make mistakes. And he’s a tremendous human being. Give him some grace.” When directly asked if Allen would play in the opener, Ballard confirmed, “He will play.” The decision was based on Allen’s history of no character issues over his 13 seasons in the NFL. Ballard emphasized that the matter would be handled internally but declined to provide details. Ballard also highlighted the support of former Colts and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and current Colts coach Shane Steichen, both of whom had worked with Allen during his time with the Chargers. “Fourteen years in the league and no issues,” Ballard said. “Decorated career, decorated teammate. As you know, our relationship with Philip Rivers, I know Philip holds him in extremely high regard. And [Steichen] was with him. And after you meet his mom and dad, who are just amazing people, we feel good about who he is. Unequivocally feel good about who Keenan Allen is.#indianapolis_colts #chris_ballard #keenan_allen #philip_rivers #shane_steichen
Colts Sign Former Notre Dame Basketball Player as Tight End The Indianapolis Colts have made a unique addition to their roster, signing former Notre Dame basketball player Carson Towt as a tight end. According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the move involves Towt transitioning from basketball to football, with the Colts aiming to leverage his size and athleticism. Towt, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, played basketball for Notre Dame during the 2025 season before attending Northern Arizona. This marks his first foray into American football, as he has no prior experience in the sport, not even at the high school level. Towt’s basketball career at Notre Dame saw him average 5.9 points per game, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season. He described his basketball background as a potential advantage in football, citing the "dirty work" he performed on the court as transferable skills. The Athletic’s James Boyd highlighted Towt’s belief that his basketball experience could aid his transition to football, though the challenge of adapting to a new sport remains significant. The Colts’ decision to sign Towt is partly due to his ineligibility for the NFL draft, which is why he can enter free agency now. This move aligns with general manager Chris Ballard’s history of acquiring players with non-traditional backgrounds, such as Mo Alie-Cox, who is already part of the team’s tight end room. Ballard’s strategy appears to focus on evaluating Towt’s physical attributes and potential for development, rather than immediate contributions. The Colts’ tight end depth chart is currently under review, with Towt’s signing adding another layer to the position group. While the team has not yet finalized its plans for Towt, the move underscores their willingness to explore unconventional talent.#indianapolis_colts #notre_dame #chris_ballard #carson_towt #mo_alie_cox
Raiders Sign Colts Free Agent Segun Olubi The Las Vegas Raiders have signed linebacker Segun Olubi, a free agent who previously played for the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the move, though details of the contract have not been disclosed. Olubi, who spent three seasons with the Colts, is now set to join the Raiders for the 2026 NFL season. Olubi became an unrestricted free agent after the Colts non-tendered him, a decision that allowed him to pursue opportunities with other teams. During his time with the Colts, he was a key contributor on special teams, playing over 300 snaps in each of the past three seasons. His role on special teams was consistent, with him participating in multiple phases of the game regularly. Defensively, Olubi’s playing time was limited. According to Pro Football Focus, he totaled just 142 career defensive snaps, with 115 of those coming in 2023. His defensive contributions were minimal compared to his special teams impact. The Colts’ linebacker corps has faced challenges this offseason, particularly after the trade of Zaire Franklin. The team’s most experienced linebacker at the position is Jaylon Carlies, who has accumulated just over 200 career defensive snaps. This lack of depth has left the Colts with a significant need at the position, prompting general manager Chris Ballard to prioritize addressing the linebacker room. Olubi’s departure from Indianapolis highlights the competitive nature of free agency, as teams like the Raiders saw an opportunity to bolster their roster. The Colts’ decision to non-tender him may have been a strategic move to manage salary cap space, but it left them without a reliable option at the linebacker position.#las_vegas_raiders #indianapolis_colts #adam_schefter #segun_olubi #chris_ballard
