The Indianapolis Colts offseason program has concluded, with lots of news coming out of it. We heard from the new ownership of the Irsay daughters, and we also got some early look at impending training camp battles. The franchise got perfect attendance with ZERO contract hold-outs and/or hold-ins. That was arguably the best news of the week. Some bad news came with the status of Anthony Richardson, as he was held out (again) from minicamp. Let’s dive into some news and thoughts on minicamp, and give another 53-man roster prediction.
*Rookies in Italics*
Quarterback (3)
Roster Locks- Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
Roster Cuts- Jason Bean
Without question, the biggest news to drop from head coach Shane Steichen was the unexpected injury news with Anthony Richardson. In his rookie season, he suffered a season-ending AC joint injury on his throwing shoulder. After OTA’s, Richardson notified the team that he was dealing with some soreness in that surgically-repaired shoulder, and was told to rest and get a second opinion.
Anytime you hear “second opinion,” the worst-case scenario is always considered. Richardson has not proven he can stay healthy. Until he does, then yes, this is a potential disaster brewing. With the absence of Richardson, we saw Daniel Jones get all the first-team reps. Reports from the media were that he looked good and competent.
With Jones taking all the first team reps, he is now in the driver’s seat to start Week 1. As they always say, ”The best ability is availability.” Now, that phrase is not in Anthony Richardson’s vocabulary.
Running Back (3)
Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens
Roster Cuts: Salvon Ahmed, Tyler Goodson, Ulysses Bentley IV
Not much change here from the last roster prediction, but maybe some clarity. The early mentions on DJ Giddens have been terrific. The early predictions of him being a “steal” in the draft seem to be on point. Giddens showed his talent, and might give some challenge to Khalil Herbert for the RB2 position. I don’t think the others have much of a chance at the final roster, as the Colts rarely keep four RBs.
Wide Receiver (6)
Roster Locks: Micheal Pittman Jr, Alex Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
Roster Cuts: DJ Montgomery, Laquon Treadwell, Landon Parker, Blane Taylor, Ajou Ajou, Tyler Kahmann, Coleman Owen
No change in the department, as the final two spots will continue to be based on the needs of special teams. Ashton Dulin is one the best gunners in the league, and will we finally see the team completely hand over the return duties to Anthony Gould? Last season, it was mostly Josh Downs, but I cannot imagine they want to subject him to further injury by using him in the special teams this season.
The early returns so far this summer seem to show some maturation of AD Mitchell progressing. I know everyone read that he looked great in OTAs and minicamp, but again, it's June, and there are no pads. Let’s see how training camp goes - but hopefully, this will his breakout season.
Offensive Line
Roster Locks (9): Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Danny Pinter, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, Jalen Travis
Roster Cuts: Wesley French, Luke Tenuta, Jack Wilson, Blake Freeland, Marshall Foerner, Mose Vavao
We finally got the confirmation we were all suspecting for this offensive line. The Colts will be moving Matt Goncalves to right guard. Coach Sparano confirmed this, and he was taking all the first team reps at the position. The rest of last season’s starters will return, but we did see veteran Danny Pinter splitting first-team reps with 2nd year center Tanor Bortolini. Not entirely surprising, but I still think it is Bortolini’s job to lose.
The only change on the roster is moving Josh Sills onto the team, and moving Wesley French out. French seems to be a one-trick pony, only being able to play center. With the center battle between Pinter and Bortolini, it would appear to push French out. Sills can play either side of the interior line, and he will likely be battling with Dalton Tucker and Blake Freeland for the final spot on the offensive line.
Tight End (4)
Roster Locks: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Roster Cuts: Jelani Woods, Sean McKeon, Albert Okwuegbunam, Maximilian Mang
The early reviews from camps are out on Tyler Warren, and they have been spectacular. He seems to be as advertised and will, without question, be the starting #1 tight end to the start of the season. It appears he will share that starting role with veteran Mo Alie-Cox. Drew Ogletree has been out with a soft tissue injury, and we saw some action from Will Mallory that was positive. Jelani Woods was practicing, but until I see him have good practice production in chunks, he cannot be put on this roster yet.
This room cannot have five players on the roster, four more than likely with three on game day. Maximilian Mang was added to the roster as the International Exempt Player, and will likely get some space on the practice squad.