Indianapolis, January 28, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed cornerback David Long Jr. to strengthen their roster amid the upcoming season. This strategic move follows the placement of starter Chavarius Ward on injured reserve. Long’s experience from previous NFL teams positions him as a key asset for the Colts as they work to rebuild their defense and improve on last season’s performance. Additionally, the team aims to honor the legacy of their late owner, Jim Irsay, as part of their 2026 season initiatives.
Colts Re-Sign David Long Jr. to Enhance Roster Depth
The Indianapolis Colts focus on rebuilding their defense ahead of the 2026 season.
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts have recently taken a significant step to strengthen their roster by re-signing cornerback David Long Jr. to their practice squad. This move comes in light of starting cornerback Chavarius Ward being placed on injured reserve, leaving a key vacancy that Long is expected to fill. In an accompanying roster adjustment, veteran running back Ameer Abdullah has been signed from the practice squad, highlighting the team’s strategic maneuvers as they gear up for the upcoming season.
David Long Jr. was originally a third-round pick in 2019 by the Los Angeles Rams and has since navigated a varied career across multiple NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants. His return to the Colts organization comes as the team seeks to bolster its secondary depth to improve on their performance from the previous season.
The Path to Improvement for the Colts
The Colts are approaching the 2026 season with a renewed focus on rebuilding and strengthening their team dynamics after a difficult 2025 season, where they finished with an 8–9 record and missed the playoffs. The re-signing of Long is part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities, showcasing the franchise’s commitment to resilience and innovation.
Honoring a Legacy
In addition to roster changes, the Colts are also working to honor the legacy of their late owner, Jim Irsay, who passed away in May 2025. Throughout the upcoming season, the team has planned several tributes, including patches on their uniforms and a posthumous induction into the Colts Ring of Honor—a move that underscores the community’s connection to the organization and the impact of Irsay’s leadership.
The Colts’ 2026 Season Goals
As the Colts enter the new season, key goals include not only improving upon last year’s record but also making a return to the playoffs after a five-year hiatus. Enhancing player depth and ensuring a robust defense are critical elements of this plan, reinforcing the importance of strategic investments and innovative decisions in shaping a competitive team. The re-signing of Long is a pivotal part of this initiative.
Conclusion
In summary, the Indianapolis Colts are making concerted efforts to improve their roster as they look forward to the 2026 season. With the re-signing of David Long Jr. and thoughtful honors for their late owner, the team is primed to enhance its competitive edge while fostering a sense of community and resilience. As Indianapolis embraces these changes, fans are encouraged to rally behind the team and support local initiatives driving their progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Colts re-sign David Long Jr.?
The Colts re-signed cornerback David Long Jr. to their practice squad after starting cornerback Chavarius Ward was placed on injured reserve, creating a vacancy on the team’s roster.
What is the significance of the Colts’ 2026 season?
The 2026 season is significant for the Colts as they aim to improve upon their 8–9 record from the previous season and make a return to the playoffs after a five-year absence.
How is the team honoring the late owner Jim Irsay?
The team is honoring the late owner Jim Irsay by adding patches to their uniforms and planning a posthumous induction into the Colts Ring of Honor.
Key Features of the Indianapolis Colts’ Recent Developments
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Re-signing of David Long Jr. | Cornerback David Long Jr. was re-signed to the practice squad following Chavarius Ward’s placement on injured reserve. |
| 2026 Season Goals | The Colts aim to improve upon their 8–9 record from the previous season and return to the playoffs after a five-year absence. |
| Honoring Jim Irsay | The team is honoring the late owner Jim Irsay by adding patches to their uniforms and planning a posthumous induction into the Colts Ring of Honor. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
