The roster is set for the Indianapolis Colts, and all that remains is filling out the practice squad and preparing for the season. Indy had to trim the roster to 53 players before 6 pm ET on August 30, and what remains is a team that could make the postseason.
The moves were not made without some questionable decisions, though. Defensive lineman Colby Wooden, who came to Indianapolis as part of the trade that sent Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers, was released. He was having a good training camp, so why the team got rid of him isn't clear.
For now, the Colts still have Anthony Richardson. He wasn't going to be released necessarily, but he was a trade candidate. He might be once the season begins if other teams suffer injuries to quarterbacks. At this point, though, Richardson is likely set as QB2 for head coach Shane Steichen's team.
Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster for 2026
Fans probably assume that Indianapolis needs to make the postseason this season, or general manager Chris Ballard and Steichen could be out of their current jobs. The positive part is that Indy does have good talent, but the issue is that the depth once again isn't strong.
That depth was tested in 2025 when so many key players were hurt. Most teams would be diminished if that happened, but unlike the San Francisco 49ers, who made the postseason last year despite having more injuries than even the Colts, Ballard didn't prepare well enough for starters getting hurt.
Did he this season? Possibly. The real games, which for the Colts begin on Sunday, September 13, against the Baltimore Ravens, will tell the harsh truth or a happy reality for the roster below.
Quarterback: Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard
Ahead of roster cuts, the Indianapolis quarterback room was mostly set. Easton Stick was released, but that was almost a given. He could land back on the practice squad. Otherwise, let's just hope Daniel Jones doesn't get injured again.
Running back: Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, DJ Giddens
Ulysses Bentley being released was something of a surprise since he had such a good training camp. Giddens did well in preseason Week 3, and that appears to have been enough to earn him a roster spot. McGowan has been a draft steal, and Taylor remains one of the best backs in the league.
Wide receiver: Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Deion Burks, Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell
The top trio was a good one and should still be, though Allen's recent arrest for DWI is concerning. That isn't the best impression to make on a new team's fans. Pierce and Downs have to stay healthy, however, or the wide receiver room is not good.
Tight end: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree
The Indianapolis Colts were almost certain to go with the players above. Tight ends, especially ones who can block, are key to Shane Steichen's system. The key player, of course, is Warren, who can catch and block. He will likely have the most pass targets of any Indy player this season.
Offensive line: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Jalen Travis, Jalen Farmer, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta
The starting five of the offensive line should be very good. The backups might be a problem. For the most part over the last few years, the Colts have had good luck with starting offensive linemen being available for most games. That can't change in 2026.
Defensive line: DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith, Jerry Tillery
The line, like with the cornerback group, should be quite good, as long as players stay healthy. Buckner and Stewart are both past 30 years old, though, so staying healthy is very much a concern.
Outside linebacker/Edge: Laiatu Latu, Arden Key, Caden Curry, George Gumbs Jr., Jaylahn Tuimoloau, Micheal Clemons
Latu needs to be great for this position to even be mediocre, but that was the case in 2025, too. Thankfully, Latu had a much better season in year two than he was as a rookie, and he might be even better in year three. He still needs assistance in getting pressure on quarterbacks, however.
Inside linebacker: Austin Ajiake, CJ Allen, Bryce Boettcher, Jaylon Charles, Tahj Chambers, Akeem Davis-Gaither
This could be a boom-or-bust position in 2026. Boettcher and Allen could become long-term starters, but they could also make a lot of mistakes in their first year. Chris Ballard wanted to rebuild this group, and he did. That doesn't mean it will be better.
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Justin Walley, Johnathan Edwards, Jaylon Jones, Cam Taylor-Britt
The hope for this group is simply better health this season. Ward missed half the season with concussions last year, and Gardner missed half the games he could have played after being traded to the Indianapolis Colts. As long as Walley is a good replacement for Kenny Moore, the cornerback group is strong.
Safety: Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy, Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens
Bynum was set as a starter, and Haulcy likely was too. The other players were simply trying to hold on as special teamers. This is a strong position for Indianapolis.
Specialists: Spencer Shrader (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P), Luke Rhodes (LS)
The only decision about this group was a happy one, hopefully. Both Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader had done quality jobs, and Indy was going to be a winner no matter who they chose (hopefully). Punter Sanchez is among the best in the NFL, though.
Injured reserve: Tight end Willory (with a designated to return label), wide receiver Coleman Owen, and wide receiver DJ Montgomery
Owen was an option to keep as a reciever because of his ability to return punts, but instead, he won't be able to help the team. 2027 might be his next chance to do so.
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