INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts' defense has held relatively firm in recent weeks despite being depleted by injuries. However, the decision-makers are kicking the tires on a handful of veterans who could provide some relief if signed.

On Tuesday, the Colts worked out six defensive linemen: defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, defensive end Shaq Lawson, defensive tackle Chris Wormley, defensive end Myles Cole, defensive tackle Christopher Hinton, and defensive end Viliami Fehoko.

Hurst (6'2", 290, 30 years old) came into the league as a fifth-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders (then Oakland) in 2018. He was widely regarded as a first-round lock before a heart condition was revealed during the pre-draft process. He has since played in 63 games (19 starts), making 116 tackles (17 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 23 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumbles recovered, 2 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups for the Raiders (2018-20), San Francisco 49ers (2021-22), and Cleveland Browns (2023-24).

Lawson (6'3", 265, 31) was a first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2016 before moving on to the Miami Dolphins (2020), Houston Texans (2021), New York Jets (2021), the Bills again (2022-23), and Carolina Panthers (2024). In 110 games (38 starts), Lawson has 207 tackles (42 for loss), 26.0 sacks, 77 QB hits, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 interception, 14 pass breakups, and 1 defensive touchdown.

Wormley (6'5", 300, 32) was a third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2017. He's also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2020-22), Panthers (2023), and again with the Ravens (2024). In 87 career games (31 starts), he has 150 tackles (14 for loss), 11.0 sacks, 23 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered, and 10 pass breakups.

Cole (6'6", 278, 25) is a second-year edge out of Texas Tech was was a seventh-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 before moving on to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. In eight career games, Cole has 8 tackles (1 for loss).

Hinton (6'4", 310, 25) is the son of Colts Ring of Honor member, offensive lineman Chris Hinton. The younger was an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2022 who initially signed with the New York Giants. He's also spent time with the Dolphins (2022), Atlanta Falcons (2022), and Los Angeles Chargers (2022-24). In seven career games, Hinton has 13 tackles and 1 QB hit.

Fehoko (6'4", 267, 25) was a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 before moving on to the Washington Commanders (2024-25). He has struggled with injuries and has yet to make his NFL debut.

Two of the Colts' defensive ends, Samson Ebukam (knee) and Tyquan Lewis (groin), have missed each of the last three games, while defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) was just placed on Injured Reserve last week and cannot return until Week 15, at the earliest.

The Colts have also exhausted their gameday elevations for defensive end Durell Nchami over the last three weeks, meaning they must officially sign him to the active roster from the practice squad if he is going to play for them again this season.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL. 

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