The Indianapolis Colts play the Cincinnati Bengals for the team’s preseason finale on Thursday night at 7:30 PM EST, where you can find coverage as pictured below:
https://twitter.com/Colts/status/771435983216803840
While almost all the starters will likely be held out, it’s a major opportunity for “bubble players” on the roster to make their last impression on coaches and the front office before rosters are significantly trimmed down from 75 to 53 players on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a great opportunity for say someone like Stephen Morris, who may not be kept on the active roster because the Colts could potentially not feel comfortable keeping 3 quarterbacks with roster needs elsewhere, to audition for other NFL teams’ 53-man active rosters.
Morris will likely play at least a half–maybe a lot more, and so far he’s shined in preseason to the tune of completing 19 of 31 throws (61.3%) for 314 receiving yards and 3 passing touchdowns to 0 interceptions, as well as a rushing touchdown.
It goes to show you that young players can make the most of opportunity.
Special teams play will likely be also key–not that it normally isn’t, but this time around it could be the difference between a player making or missing the roster, as the fringe players on the 53-man active roster have to be able to typically play special teams at a high level.
If nothing else, it’s a chance to watch a bunch of young players fight one final time for the Colts in order to keep their NFL dream alive.