Colts add depth to defense after multiple injuries

Injuries have forced several changes on both sides of the ball. The Colts made moves earlier to shore up their offense, now they switch their focus to the defensive side of the ball.

The Colts signed Antonio Dixon (90) for added depth on the defensive line. (US Presswire)

There may be several new faces on the Indianapolis Colts' defense when it takes the field Sunday against the Jets. With linebackers Dwight Freeney (ankle) and Robert Mathis (knee) recovering from injuries and defensive linemen Martin Tevaseu (foot) and Fili Moala (knee) also on the mend, the had to make moves in case they're not all at full strength this weekend.

Indianapolis signed nose tackle Antonio Dixon, who was waived by the Eagles at the end of August. He has appeared in 35 games, including 10 starts. In addition, the Colts elevated linebacker Jerry Brown and defensive end Clifton Geathers from the practice squad.

It appears that those four will act as the fall-back plan if Freeney, Mathis, Tevaseu and Moala have to miss any more time. More will be known about their statuses Wednesday, when the first injury report is released.

To fill the practice squad, the Colts signed linebacker D.J. Bryant, cornerback Isaiah Green, fullback Robert Hughes and tight end Dominique Jones. Jones was waived by Indianapolis earlier this week.

An interesting development was the front office's decision to waive cornerback Justin King, who missed Sunday's game against the Packers with an injury. Apparently confidence is growing in the once-fluid defensive backfield, as Josh Gordy, Cassius Vaughn and Darius Butler filled in ably for King and injured cornerback Vontae Davis.

Running back Alvester Alexander was waived from the practice squad, and linebacker Mario Addison was signed to the Redskins' active roster.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.