John

Gill

St. Louis’ backup defensive tackles have been banged up in camp, so Gill may just be a practice body. Malone lost his camp battle with UDFA Johnny Hekker.

Schweiger didn’t get any preseason carries, which was an ominous sign for his chances. Gill was signed just nine days ago. He barely even got a look.

WR Brian Hernandez was signed in a corresponding roster move. A former undrafted free agent, Gill hasn’t appeared in a game since 2009. He’s just 26, but it’s highly unlikely he ever plays another NFL down.

Gill, a former undrafted free agent out of Northwestern, made two appearances for the Colts in 2009 and then fell out of the league after a bout with alcoholism. He’ll be a camp body while Mike Patterson (brain surgery) and Jason Babin (calf) rehab.

He was found by police “passed out and unable to stand” in a roadside ditch following the Colts’ Saturday live scrimmage. Gill didn’t even have any shoes on. A former undrafted free agent, Gill was on the bubble in camp, and Ed Johnson’s history with the Colts won’t help the Northwestern alum.

Police decided to let Gill “sleep off” his drunken stupor, rather than pursue criminal charges. Gill is lucky police were understanding, and won’t face any discipline. He still has a chance to make the roster as a fifth tackle.

Police found Gill passed out in a ditch barefoot with “soiled khaki shorts” Sunday morning. “He’s got a problem unfortunately that many Americans are familiar with either in their family or in the workplace,” said team president Bill Polian. Gill is on indefinite leave for now.

Players placed on reserve/NFI are eligible to return in Week 7, but Gill is expected to miss the season while being treated for alcoholism. His loss will give Mitch King and rookie Ricardo Mathews better shots to make the team.