The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to prove their hot start in the 2025 campaign was not a fluke when they return to action this season. Of course, a big part of the Colts’ success is going to depend on their ability to manage their injuries, as you can make an argument that the injury bug was the main reason for their collapse last year.
While Indy is monitoring some key players as they work their way back to full health ahead of Week 1, the team has largely managed to stay healthy to this point. That changed when some injury news regarding tight end Sean McKeon was announced by the team, which prompted the front office to quickly go out and find his replacement in free agency.
Colts Sign Pharaoh Brown After Placing Sean McKeon on Injured Reserve
McKeon is a former undrafted free agent who has primarily served as a blocking tight end during his time in the NFL. After spending the first four years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, appearing in 45 total games, McKeon briefly latched on with the Detroit Lions before finding his way to the Colts, as he has spent most of the past two seasons on their practice squad.
Once again, McKeon was likely only competing for a depth spot on the team’s roster, but his season came to an end when he was placed on injured reserve Thursday afternoon. While not a vitally important part of the team, Indianapolis has reps that need to be put to use at tight end, which led the front office to begin working on finding a replacement.
That player ended up being Pharaoh Brown, another former undrafted tight end who has made a name for himself as a blocker. After spending time with the Arizona Cardinals last year, Brown had to wait some time before finding a new home, and it ended up being with the Colts, as he was signed in free agency shortly after the news regarding McKeon’s status was revealed.
“Colts signed free agent tight end Pharaoh Brown and placed tight end Sean McKeon on the Injured Reserve list,” Adam Schefter of ESPN shared in a post on X.
Colts Shore Up Tight End Depth with Pharaoh Brown Signing
GettyThe Colts signed Pharaoh Brown in free agency after placing Sean McKeon on injured reserve
While Brown is known for his blocking, he has shown more as a receiver in the past than McKeon ever has. His best season came in 2023 with the New England Patriots, as he caught 13 passes for 208 yards and a score, but he hasn’t done much in the air since that campaign. At this point, Brown is likely competing for a spot on Indy’s practice squad.
With Tyler Warren and Mo Alie-Cox leading the way, the Colts have a solid tight end duo, and even then, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory are ahead of Brown on the depth chart currently. There’s no harm in taking a flier on him during training camp and seeing what he’s capable of, though, as he will look to make the most of his reps over the next couple of weeks.
Colts Sign Veteran Tight End After Latest Injury News