Duron Carter’s Spectacular Catch Should Solidify Roster Spot

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Duron Carter was hoping to do something spectacular entering into Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals:

"“It’s my 4th game really, getting into it, and last game I played the most I’ve ever played in an NFL game,” said Carter earlier this week. “So going into this game, there’s just a lot more confidence, just being me and knowing and doing what I can do. Hopefully, I can do something spectacular.”"

He did just that with this 42-yard catch-and-run on a pass by Colts backup quarterback Bryan Bennett early in the 4th quarter of Thursday’s game:

It was by far Carter’s best performance of the preseason, as he caught 5 receptions for 85 receiving yards on the night, while looking noticeably more comfortable on the field. After such a strong training camp, many Colts fans were wondering when exactly Carter would have his breakout game.

Judging from his performance, it looks like it happened last night.

Sep 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Duron Carter (9) watches from the sidelines during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Entering into the contest, Carter was presumably battling holdover Griff Whalen for the team’s 5th wide receiver spot on the depth chart. However, if push comes to shove, it looks as though he may hold the edge over Whalen with final 53-man roster cuts looming.

If so, it’s a testament to Carter’s hard work, development, and self-maturation, as the former CFL standout no doubt cleared a lot of hurdles and personal challenges to be able to successfully make an NFL roster–while fulfilling what was no doubt a childhood dream.

Hopefully, his best is still yet to come for the Colts.

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