Xavien Howardâs abrupt retirement has forced the Indianapolis Colts into action at cornerback.
Undrafted free agent Keenan Garber was signed to the Coltsâ practice squad on Thursday, two days after Howard was surprisingly placed on the reserve/retired list.
Garber, 25, spent training camp and the preseason with the Minnesota Vikings but was waived in August as part of final roster cuts.
The Colts (3-1) host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5, looking to rebound from their first loss of the season.
Garber Started College as Wide Receiver
Garber played parts of six seasons at Kansas State, the first three as a wide receiver before transitioning to the opposite side of the ball at cornerback. In 17 starts on defense, Garber compiled 52 tackles (46 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 11 passes defended and two interceptions, including a 45-yard pick six in 2023 against Baylor.
Garber signed with the Vikings as an UDFA following Aprilâs draft but was let go before Week 1 of the regular season. He was one of several cornerbacks to work out for the Colts last month, including veteran Tre Flowers, who was on the teamâs practice squad in 2024 and has four interceptions over seven NFL seasons.
Colts Seek CB Depth Following Howard’s Exit
The 32-year-old Howard signed with Indianapolis in August after sitting out the entire 2024 season. He spent the previous eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He twice led the league in interceptions, picking off seven passes in 2018 and 10 in 2020.
Howard signed with the Colts in August but lasted just four games before deciding to retire. The decision came after a difficult performance in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Per Next Gen Stats, Howard was the nearest defender on seven receptions that generated 112 yards and a touchdown.
In a statement posted to social media, Howard wrote that âmy dream has now changedâ and he is âno longer willingâ to put football first.
âMy purpose has been fulfilled in this sport, but my kids are more important to me than football,â Howard wrote on Instagram. âIâve had a hell of a career, and even though itâs ending in a unique way, Iâm cool with that because for once Iâm putting my family first and Iâm proud and excited about that decision.â
With Howard gone, Johnathan Edwards is now listed opposite No. 1 cornerback Charvarius Ward on the depth chart.
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