Indianapolis Colts Terminate RB Contract Following 0-2 Start

The Indianapolis Colts released running back Anderson Castle from the practice squad on Tuesday, ending the undrafted rookie’s brief stay with the organization, the team announced.

The move came as the team also placed defensive end Micheal Clemons on injured reserve and signed veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton.

Castle, a 5-foot-11, 221-pound back out of Duke, signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent in May after going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft. A Boone, N.C., native and Watauga High School product, he spent five seasons at Appalachian State before transferring to Duke for his final year of eligibility.

In 68 college games, he rushed 308 times for 1,524 yards and 20 touchdowns and added 36 receptions for 252 yards and one score. His 2025 season with the Blue Devils was his most productive: 115 carries for 488 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, plus 17 catches for 111 yards. Duke used him as a short-yardage and complementary back.

He earned a roster spot after a tryout at rookie minicamp and made the initial practice squad after being waived at the final cut to 53 on Aug. 30. In three preseason games Castle had 18 carries for 88 yards.

He was viewed as a potential elevation candidate if Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens or Seth McGowan missed time. That opportunity never came.

The Colts are 0-2 and have used other backs and practice-squad elevations while addressing other roster needs, including receiver depth after Alec Pierce aggravated a heel injury.

Practice-squad contracts carry no guaranteed money beyond weekly pay, so Castle is now a free agent who can sign with any team.

At 24, with a compact build, special-teams experience from college, and a reputation as a physical, bowling-ball runner, he remains a candidate for another practice squad or a late-season look if injuries hit a backfield.

Indianapolis already carries several backs on the 53-man roster and practice squad, limiting the path for a late-round-style rookie who did not separate in camp.

The transaction is typical early-season roster housekeeping. Teams often cycle practice-squad players as they evaluate veterans, claim players off waivers, and manage injuries.

Castle’s release frees a spot without creating dead cap, a common outcome for undrafted rookies who survive the first cut but do not earn an elevation in the first two weeks.

Castle’s professional chapter with the Colts lasted from mid-May through late September.

Whether another club gives him a second chance will depend on how quickly he lands and whether he can contribute on special teams or as a short-yardage option. For now, the Boone product is back on the open market after a short NFL start in Indianapolis.