Delano

Howell

Howell reportedly “flashed” in training camp, and is competing with former Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt for the backup free safety job. Da’Norris Searcy and LB/SS Bryan Scott are locks for the 53-man roster.

Howell made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Stanford. He appeared in one game and notched one tackle.

Strong safety Tom Zbikowski left last week’s win over the Bills with a shin injury. If he can’t go this week, Howell can step in as depth and help on special teams. He’s an undrafted rookie out of Stanford.

Howell was waived on Saturday because the Bills needed offensive and defensive line depth. He’ll revert back to special teams help.

Howell has been active for just one game this season and is likely to be re-signed to the practice squad. The Bills promoted SS Mana Silva to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

Howell has started the last two games with LaRon Landry (ankle) sidelined. He was spotted in a walking boot following practice and could now be in jeopardy of missing this week’s game against the Seahawks.

Howell had been sidelined since Week 6. Howell had been active for all six games before getting hurt, making three starts in place of an injured LaRon Landry. A second-year undrafted free agent out of Stanford, Howell will be back to push for a roster spot next summer. He’s not a starting-caliber player.

LaRon Landry is firmly planted at strong safety, but there is a hole opposite him. Former UDFA S Delano Howell handled himself well in three spot starts last season, but he is best suited as a reserve. The top safeties will be gone by the time the Colts make their first pick at No. 59 overall. Florida State S Terrence Brooks is a solid option that may still be on the board.

Delano Howell entered OTAs as the favorite to start, but ESPN’s Mike Wells now considers Adams the leading candidate. Adams, a ten-year veteran, was an every-down player for Denver from Week 12 on last season. If he wins the starting job, SS LaRon Landry could be asked to play more deep coverages. The back end of the Colts’ secondary is a 2014 concern.

Antoine Bethea primarily played free safety for Indy last year, racking up 110 tackles behind the Colts’ leaky defensive front seven. LaRon Landry was mostly a strong safety in 2013, though he did play “center field” often in the playoffs. Howell’s role should be very similar to Bethea’s, putting him on the IDP radar.