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Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A clear upgrade to one of the weakest positions on the Colts roster might have just fell in their lap ahead of Week 6

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 8:35 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts are feeling pretty good right now at 4-1 after the first five weeks, and their most recent win was a dominant 40-6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite their strong start, the Colts do have some problem areas on their roster. Their second starting outside CB spot being one with their starter for the first four weeks, Xavien Howard retiring ahead of Week 5, and to be honest, he was also playing poorly.

Another spot is LB; the Colts have a strong contributor in Zaire Franklin, but the starter next to him has been a mess, no matter who they’ve thrown out on the field. The team has essentially tried every healthy LB on their roster next to Franklin, and each has struggled mightily. It seems clear that the solution isn't currently on their 53-man roster. Luckily for them, an upgrade who knows their defensive scheme well just fell into their laps. All they have to do is capitalize on it.

The #Raiders have released veteran LB Germaine Pratt, who started the first four games and recorded 25 tackles but didn’t travel with the team this week to Indy and is now being cut. pic.twitter.com/YeUFb35qU3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 6, 2025

The Colts should reunite free agent Germaine Pratt with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase.Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The team the Colts just embarrassed in Week 5, the Bengals, released a LB who started games for them this year, Germaine Pratt, ahead of Week 6. Pratt was a healthy scratch this past week, and you could tell from how the Raiders talked about the situation that the two sides were likely heading for a split. Another team's garbage can be a treasure for another. This seems like a perfect, low-risk move that could significantly elevate the Colts' roster.

First of all, the play Pratt displayed with the Raiders this year would be a clear upgrade to what the Colts currently have at LB behind Franklin. Secondly, it wouldn't take Pratt much time at all to get up to speed if signed by the Colts, as he likely knows this scheme well. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Pratt in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he spent the past six seasons with the team. All of which he played under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is now holding the same role with the Colts. He's started 88 games in Anarumo’s defense and would likely immediately start for the Colts if they elected to sign the veteran LB.

Germaine Pratt's career facts

seven interceptions and seven forced fumbles in Cincy
80.2 tackle grade and 64.3 coverage grade from PFF in 2025
Started four games and played in 88% of the possible defensive snaps

Thoughts on Germaine Pratt's short stint with the Raiders

"In 2025, Germaine Pratt has been much better to start this year than he was last season. Pratt has been one of the better coverage linebackers on the Raiders, but that's not saying much when you consider who they have. However, the Raiders felt confident enough in what they had that it would be okay to release Pratt. With a 64.3 overall coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, Pratt played 116 pass coverage snaps. According to Sports Info Solutions, Pratt has allowed five completions on nine targets for 59 yards while in coverage, but no touchdowns allowed, and he also has one dropped interception.

The Raiders signed him, along with Devin White and Elandon Roberts, to man the linebacker unit. Then, Jamal Adams came along as a linebacker, playing down in the box. Pratt's role as the starting coverage linebacker was locked down, so whatever caused him to be released with a non-injury issue is something that future teams, like the Colts, may need to be aware of. But, as far as his game is concerned, in the right scheme, he can definitely still play." - Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Las Vegas