Devon Still, a former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle, has tried out for the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday. ESPN's Field Yates brought the news, citing an unnamed source and remarking that the Colts needed help on their defensive line.
Still made headlines last season as his daughter battled Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a serious form of brain cancer. The Bengals waived him during their final cutdown earlier this month, making Still a free agent with no team claiming him within 24 hours.
It is also worth mentioning that Indianapolis also released running back Vick Ballard on Tuesday so they team may be freeing up a roster spot to accommodate defensive help in the form of Still.
The 26-year-old defensive tackle was released by Cincinnati as part of its 53-man roster cuts. Still made a career-high 19 tackles in 12 games in the previous season and has totaled 30 overall since being selected in the second round back in 2012.
The Colts, who are relatively weak on the defensive line after losing defensive end Arthur Jones, would be a good fit for Still. Coach Chuck Pagano, who is a cancer survivor himself, is also seen to be welcoming to Still, although his team's main interest is apparently about boosting its defensive front.
On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts, also worked out former Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, bringing the team's defensive linemen to a total of seven on their 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, Colts owner Jim Irsay has adamantly contradicted rumors suggesting that a rift exists between coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson.
In the past couple of seasons, there have been reports that Grigson and Pagano had differences in opinions but neither of them considers it a deep-rooted and serious problem. However, the coach's lack of a contract extension beyond the current season and other alleged disagreements about internal decisions have led Irsay to issue a denial on Monday.
"That can't be farther [from] the truth. Ryan and Chuck work hard together. They have a great relationship. I've seen coaches and general managers work together since I was 11 years old. I know the dynamic that needs to be there for them to work together. They have a great relationship," Irsay told ESPN.
What triggered the Colts owner to face the media regarding the issue was a recent report claiming that Pagano has no say control over personnel decisions and he was unable to put together his own staff. "That report is completely false. I can guarantee you that -- completely false. There is not one shred to truth to it at all. Honestly, these guys have a great relationship," Irsay further clarified.
