Tom

Santi

No. 2 tight end Jacob Tamme has shown promise as a pass-catcher and is also a valuable asset on special teams. Gijon Robinson will stick as an H-back type and the Colts used a fifth-round pick on Brody Eldridge. The injury-prone Santi has an uphill climb.

Gregg Rosenthal’s favorite no-name tight end was just getting back from a high ankle sprain. The move leaves Indianapolis with three TEs on the roster: starter Dallas Clark, backup Jacob Tamme, and H-back Gijon Robinson.

Santi had 10 catches as a rookie in 2008. He’s been injury prone as he dealt with knee and shoulder problems last season. Jacob Tamme will play more.

Santi had the same surgery about two weeks before Manning. Manning’s surgery was performed on July 14. Santi isn’t practicing yet, but has been on the field for some work. The Colts still expect Manning to start in Week 1, as should you.

Santi caught one pass for 22 yards. He had been sidelined all preseason after July surgery to remove a bursa sac from his knee.

He becomes the Colts’ third tight end behind Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme. Usual third TE Gijon Robinson has mostly been playing an “H-back” role.

Santi was only on the field because Gijon Robinson was inactive with an injury. Santi had zero catches on the season coming in, making his performance even more surprising. Santi’s game could have been even bigger but he fumbled going into the end zone. Still, don’t pick up Santi as this can be chalked up as a fluke.

Santi can play special teams and be a third-stringer, but he won’t be a lock for a roster spot behind Dallas Clark, Bryan Fletcher, and Jacob Tamme.