Indianapolis Colts Signed Defensive End Carl Lawson

The veteran pass rusher joins the Indianapolis practice squad following his time with the Dallas Cowboys.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a football player in a defensive stance, wearing royal blue and white team colors. — The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran defensive end Carl Lawson to their practice squad to bolster the team's pass rush. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Indianapolis Colts have added defensive end Carl Lawson to their practice squad. Lawson brings significant experience to the roster as the team navigates the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Lawson provides depth to the Colts' defensive line, offering a veteran presence with a track record of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Lawson recorded 5 sacks, 15 tackles, and 15 quarterback hits during the 2024 season. He enters the Indianapolis organization with a career total of 32 sacks across 90 games.

The players

Carl Lawson

He is an experienced NFL defensive end who has played 90 career games for four different franchises.

Indianapolis Colts

They are a professional football team based in Indianapolis that currently holds a 2-2 record in 2026.

Dallas Cowboys

They are an NFL franchise based in Texas that utilized Lawson on their roster during the 2024 campaign.

The details

Lawson joins the Colts after spending the 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he contributed to the defensive rotation. The Colts currently hold a 2-2 record as they look to bolster their pass rush mid-season.

Lawson played for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2024 season.
The Indianapolis Colts signed Lawson during the 2026 season.
The Dallas Cowboys play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.

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Season Trajectory

This addition follows the NFL practice squad elevation rules, which allow teams to manage roster depth throughout the season. Lawson signing to the practice squad follows the standard industry pattern of utilizing these units to integrate veteran depth mid-season.

Lawson's addition provides the Colts with an immediate insurance policy for their defensive line rotation. Fantasy managers should monitor whether Lawson is elevated to the active roster before future games.

The takeaway

Adding a veteran like Lawson offers the Colts low-risk personnel depth as the team attempts to improve its 2-2 standing. Teams frequently utilize this strategy to identify hidden value without committing to long-term active roster guarantees.