Cory

Redding

Cory Redding opened as the starting left end, with Drake Nevis on the opposite side. Fili Moala, a 2009 second-rounder, is stuck in a backup role in new coach Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 scheme. Robert Mathis moved from strong-side linebacker back to his old left-end home in nickel packages. Like Terrell Suggs in Baltimore, Dwight Freeney will be the full-time right end once he reports.

A rotational lineman in Baltimore, Redding would be following Chuck Pagano to Indianapolis if he’s signed. At 6'4/300, he boasts prototypical 3-4 end size for the Colts new defense.

Competent both against the run and as a pass rusher, Redding will be reuniting with his former defensive boss Chuck Pagano in Indy. He graded out as one of the league’s top ends by Pro Football Focus in 2011, and will fit nicely into the Colts’ 3-4 defense. His signing is another sign Dwight Freeney has played his final snap for the “Horseshoe.”

Caplan and Chappell’s tweets were nearly identical, and both cited Chuck Pagano’s background with Johnson and Redding. Redding and Johnson are both over 30 years old, but would be big helps in transitioning Indy’s defense from a 4-3 to 3-4. The Colts would soon have to find younger replacements.

Redding will likely miss the Colts’ final two preseason games, but should be ready for Week 1. Brought in to help anchor new coach Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 defense, Redding is coming off a strong 2011, where he notched 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks despite playing just 511 snaps in Baltimore. He’s a run-stopping left end.

Redding is rehabbing a mild MCL sprain. “I’m good, man,” he said. “Fans don’t need to worry. No. 90 will be on the field in Chicago.” As one of the few Colts with 3-4 experience, Redding is a key part of setting the edge against the run.

Redding’s return is questionable. The Colts’ defense is getting absolutely gashed while playing without Robert Mathis, Redding and Pat Angerer.

Redding had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter. He notched two tackles before departing. Redding miss time with a knee injury earlier this season.

Redding briefly returned after going down in the first quarter, but was gone for good after halftime. His presence was dearly missed as the Jets’ previously moribund rushing attack rolled up 252 yards. It’s good news Redding was able to play through the injury for even a few snaps, but his Week 7 status is very much up in the air.

The Indy defense is severely banged up. Also ruled out are DTs Fili Moala (knee) and Martin Tevaseu (ankle), OLB Robert Mathis (knee), and CB Darius Butler (shoulder). Inside linebacker Pat Angerer (foot) is listed as questionable. Trent Richardson could have a field day against the league’s No. 29 rush defense.