The Indianapolis Colts are 2-2 through the first four games of the 2026 season, and it is still difficult to get a read on just how good or bad the team is. The two victories have come against teams with key wounded players. The first loss was an ugly blowout.
What has become clear is that some players are still elite, like defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, and others are underperforming. The team is only a quarter of the way through the season, though, so as head coach Shane Steichen likes to say, there is still a lot of football left to play.
That means there is time for many of the players that follow to bounce back and be key performers. In the final case, that has to happen in 2026 and beyond. The playoffs are still a possibility this season, but some players need to play better for that to occur.
These Indianapolis Colts could be part of roster cuts during or after this season
Edge rusher Micheal Clemons
Clemons is currently on injured reserve with a toe injury after being injured in Week 2. Before getting hurt, though, he was not playing well, continuing the form that caused him to not be wanted by his previous team, the New York Jets. In 38 reps, he didn't have any solo tackles, no run stuffs, and only one quarterback pressure. Once he returns from injury, he shouldn't get many reps.
Wide receiver Keenan Allen
Allen was decent in Week 3, but then missed Week 4 with a groin injury. He is 34 years old, so he is suddenly going to bounce back and play pain-free for the rest of the season. Even worse, his three-game production has been awful. He has caught 13 of his 20 targets for just 100 yards, an average of a dismal 7.7 yards per catch. He was only signed for one season, and he shouldn't be back.
Linebacker Jaylon Carlies
Carlies did have an interception in Week 4, but because a third-string quarterback for the Washington Commanders made a poor decision and then a worse throw. Otherwise, the linebacker has allowed 11 of his 14 targets to be completed for 181 yards. He's missed 17.6 percent of his tackle attempts. Yet, somehow, the Colts see him as a better option than second-round pick CJ Allen.
Running back DJ Giddens
Giddens went from potential RB2 entering training camp to losing that spot to rookie Seth McGowan (rightfully so) to being a healthy scratch through the first quarter of the season. He isn't explosive or powerful enough to help the team. Should he last the season on the roster, he probably won't be back in 2027.
Quarterback Daniel Jones
The quarterback re-signed this past offseason for two years and as much as $88 million, but if Jones is released next offseason, the team would save $38 million. The way Jones is playing, that should happen, and the team should look elsewhere for its new QB1.
He has 15 turnovers in the last nine games, including seven in four games this year. Jones is also averaging just 5.7 yards per attempt, tied for the lowest mark of his career. He needs to turn his season around beginning in Week 5.
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