Colts Activate Julien Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Xavier Rhodes From Reserve/COVID-19 List

The Colts have activated tackle Julian Davenport, defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and cornerback Xavier Rhodes from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, per the team. Additionally, the team also announced that they placed wide receiver J.J. Nelson on IR and waived safety Rolan Milligan and quarterback Jalen Morton.

After missing some time, the Colts get two key defensive pieces back in both Rhodes and Muhammad, while Julian Davenport potentially brings in more competition for the left tackle spot.

We know how much of an impact Rhodes had for Indy last season. Coming off arguably his worst season as a pro, Rhodes played about as well as he has in some time, securing two interceptions — including a pick-6 of former Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold, along with 42 total tackles.

The veteran corner signed a one-year deal to return to Indy this past offseason, and he’s looking to build off a strong 2020 season. For a defensive unit which has already stood out thus far into training camp, getting back a key pieces, in Rhodes, is great news for a team who has high aspirations defensively this upcoming season.

While Muhammad had more of a limited role last season, he was a solid rotational player, garnering two sacks and 23 total tackles. As the inconsistencies lingered at edge throughout last season, the team looked to the then 25-year-old to help provide somewhat of a spark along the defensive line.

The numbers may not suggest so, but the young defensive end played fairly well down the stretch for the Colts.

At the very least, we know Rhodes’ presence and play is going to make an immediate difference for Indy’s secondary throughout the oncoming practices. Muhammad will likely get to compete for that second defensive end spot along with Ben Banogu and Julian Davenport adds even more depth to the team’s offensive line.