INDIANAPOLIS -- That "horseshoe" tradition the Indianapolis Colts so often talk about continues to take hits.
The latest mishap -- safety LaRon Landry's being suspended for four games for taking performance-enhancing substances -- continues to show this supposed model franchise isn't so perfect and also hurts its depth at the position.
Owner Jim Irsay was arrested and is currently serving a six-game suspension after a guilty plea to one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was also fined $500,000. Linebacker Robert Mathis just returned Monday from a four-game suspension for taking PEDs. Receiver LaVon Brazill was suspended 10 games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy for the third time. Chris Rainey was released after he pulled an immature prank involving a fire extinguisher during training camp. And receiver Da'Rick Rogers was released early Monday morning after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
These aren't mistakes members of the Colts organization have made over the past few years. All those incidents have happened over the past six months.
Landry pulled a social media no-no when he tweeted an Instagram picture and comment that said, "Sometimes things aren't what they appear to be," with an inappropriate illusion in the photo. He deleted it minutes later. Landry, who works out twice a day at times, often posts pictures of his muscular physique on Instagram and Twitter.
The suspension adds to what's been a disappointing start with the Colts for Landry after he signed a four-year, $24 million contract in 2013. It also puts the Colts in a position they can't afford, given that they will face Joe Flacco, Andy Dalton and Ben Roethlisberger in the stretch he's sidelined. Landry, who will lose about $750,000, will miss games against the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's eligible to return Oct. 27.
The Colts have lacked a pass rush, but their secondary, led by cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Greg Toler, has been solid this season. Losing Landry wouldn't be a big deal if the Colts had depth behind him. But they don't have much behind their second-leading tackler.
Delano Howell (neck) is on injured reserve. Colt Anderson missed Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans with a groin injury, which leaves Sergio Brown as the likely starter if the Colts don't sign a player ready to immediately step in against the Ravens. Recently, the Colts worked out several veteran safeties, including former Houston Texan Chris Clemons. The team also promoted Dewey McDonald from the practice squad Monday.