Waiver claim Chad Muma boosts Colts’ LB room

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts didn’t rest once they reached the NFL-mandated 53-player limit.

On Wednesday, they were awarded linebacker Chad Muma, who was waived by Jacksonville.

The 6-foot-3, 239-pounder was a 2022 third-round draft pick of the Jaguars. He appeared in 50 games with seven starts.

Muma is viewed as a ‘backer capable of playing both on the weak side and in the middle. He also was a constant special teams contributor for Jacksonville. Muma was on the field for at least 245 special teams snaps each season, and handled a career-high 325 last season.

To make room for Muma, the Colts waived defensive tackle Tim Smith.

“We kept four (linebackers), knew we wanted to add another guy. We’re still going to bring some other guys in,’’ general manager Chris Ballard said Wednesday. “It’s different than it was in the past. We usually kept six and dressed six in the schemes we were in.’’

First-year coordinator Lou Anarumo plans on generally utilizing two linebackers with an extra defensive back.

“He’ll play a lot of dime, so we’re really only playing with a Mike and a Will,’’ Ballard. “We liked (Muma) coming out of Wyoming. He can probably play both WILL and MIKE. He’s good on (special) teams. He’s had some experience playing.’’

Ex-Colts relocate

Three Colts who were waived Tuesday were claimed.

Cornerback JuJu Brents was claimed by the Miami Dolphins, tight end Jelani Woods by the New York Jets and cornerback Samuel Womack III by the Tennessee Titans.

Ballard said waiving Woods was one of the toughest decisions. The 2022 third-round pick has missed the last two seasons with injuries.

“He was probably the one I got really emotional about just knowing what . . . he went through some crap,’’ Ballard said. “To watch him fight and battle . . . Our tight ends room is good. It’s an excellent room. All four of them are really good football players.’’

The Colts kept rookie Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory and Drew Ogletree.

Ballard noted Brents, a 2023 second-round pick out of Warren Central High School, has “just had back luck.’’

Brents has played in only 11 of 34 games because of injuries.

“Maybe (with) a change of scenery he’ll get it turned around when he can healthy,’’ Ballard said.

Practice squad taking shape

The Colts signed 14 players to their practice squad.

The list: linebacker Austin Ajiake, running backs Khalil Herbert and Ulysses Bentley IV, wide receivers Coleman Owen and Tyler Kahmann, guard Josh Sills, offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson, defensive end Durell Nchami, defensive tackle Josh Tupou, center Mose Vavao, safety Trey Washington, tight end Maximillian Mang, cornerback Chris Lammons and tight end Sean McKeon.

You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.