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Colts: 3 unexpected players who could be on training camp bubble

By Jerry Trotta

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Devin Singletary #40 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball as Matthew Adams #49 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to tackle him during a preseason game at New Era Field on August 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Devin Singletary #40 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball as Matthew Adams #49 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to tackle him during a preseason game at New Era Field on August 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Colts LB Matthew Adams (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Adams

The Colts parting ways with Anthony Walker this offseason wasn’t a surprise, but it was somewhat stunning they didn’t find a replacement for the former three-year starter.

That might speak to their conviction in Bobby Okereke, who really enjoyed a solid sophomore season in 2020 — he tallied 72 tackles, six passes defended and two fumble recoveries in eight starts — and is the prohibitive favorite to start alongside Darius Leonard.

Behind them, though, the Colts have serious questions at linebacker. Zaire Franklin, a special teams captain last year, got reps as the starting strong-side LB at minicamp, which suggests his roster spot isn’t in question heading into training camp.

Matthew Adams’ roster spot could be in trouble at Colts training camp.

Matthew Adams, on the other hand, seems like the biggest name that could be on the roster bubble at the linebacker position. Not only has the 2018 seventh-round pick’s playing time been reduced in each of the last three years, but he didn’t even log a defensive snap in 2020.

The Colts are thin at linebacker following Walker’s departure — they didn’t even add one in the draft — so Adams getting the axe would be surprising. After all, he offers value on special teams, and EJ Speed and Jordan Glasgow aren’t what you would call proven commodities at LB.

Final verdict? There’s a strong chance Adams makes the final roster. However, if the Colts only keep five linebackers on the 53-man squad, he could be on the outside looking in.

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