SPORTS BUSINESS

Colts sign DE Carl Lawson to practice squad; release TE Kenny Fletcher Jr.

Per an Oct. 7, 2026 announcement from the Indianapolis Colts, the team signed defensive end Carl Lawson to its practice squad and released tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. from the practice squad. The Colts’ release did not include contract terms or plans for future roster moves.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffCommentsPublished October 7, 2026 at 8:18 AM EDT

AI-generated illustration of the topic: Colts sign DE Carl Lawson to practice squad; release TE Kenny Fletcher Jr. — AI illustration · Not a photograph of the reported event.

Per an Oct. 7, 2026 announcement from the Indianapolis Colts, the team signed defensive end Carl Lawson to its practice squad and released tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. from the practice squad. The team’s release lists those transactions but does not provide contract terms or outline any planned roster elevations.

Carl Lawson is listed at 6-2, 260 pounds and has played in 90 career games (34 starts). The Colts’ announcement lists his career totals as 135 tackles (76 solo), 32.0 tackles for loss, 32.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The release notes Lawson played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, appearing in one game that season and recording one tackle. Kenny Fletcher Jr. is listed at 6-3, 250 pounds; the Colts’ release says he was signed to the team’s practice squad on Sept. 8, 2026 and has now been released.

WHY IT MATTERS

This is a straightforward roster transaction that changes who is currently on the Colts’ practice-squad roster. The immediate, verifiable impact is personnel-level: a veteran defensive end, Carl Lawson, has been added to the practice squad, and tight end Kenny Fletcher Jr. has been removed. The Colts’ announcement is the sole source for these moves and gives no additional terms or timeline for either player.

The signing matters because Lawson’s background is documented in the team release: he has appeared in 90 career games with 32.0 career sacks and has played for multiple NFL clubs, most recently the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, when he appeared in one game. Those facts describe his experience level; the release does not state any plan for when or whether he might join the active roster.

The Colts’ statement does not include contract details, guarantees or any schedule for roster elevations. For further development, watch future official Colts transaction releases for updates about Lawson’s status or any additional changes to the practice squad.

Report a correction · Editorial standards · Our source directory

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.

Related coverage

Companies in this story

Indianapolis Colts

Explore the topic

Reader discussion

Join the discussion. Every comment is checked before publication. Community rules and appeals