The Indianapolis Colts' final preseason game is complete, and the next major step before we kick off the season is finalizing the final 53-man roster. All teams must be at 53 by 4 pm ET on Tuesday afternoon. Some teams have already started to make roster cuts.
The Colts already dished out their most important piece of roster news during the week. The Colts announced that Daniel Jones will be the starter this season over incumbent Anthony Richardson. Some were surprised by the news, and others were not. Whether you are Team Jones or Team Richardson, the decision has been made final.
This leaves the rest of the roster to be finalized by Tuesday now, and while most of it appears to be decided, we know there are always surprises that pop up. The Colts did get some clarity with the signing of Xavien Howard, and some players have returned from injury, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Without further ado, let's make our final 53-man roster prediction.
Projecting the Colts 53-man roster after the preseason
Quarterback (3)
- Roster Locks- Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
- Roster Cuts- Jason Bean
Obviously, the news of Daniel Jones getting the start is the main story here. Could we see the Colts move Anthony Richardson before Tuesday? I would not rule it out, but it seems unlikely. Plenty has been reported and speculated on this, and I do think the Colts are at least listening to trade overtures for Richardson.
The trust is destroyed, and the relationship seems broken. Definitely something to watch as the season progresses. I don't see them keeping Jason Bean on the practice squad this time, so we keep the same three we have had since the beginning of training camp.
Running Back (3)
- Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Goodson, DJ Giddens
- Practice Squad: Ulysses Bentley IV
- Roster Cuts: Nate Noel, Khalil Herbert, Nay’Quan Wright
We keep the same three here, but there are some storylines to watch. Not sure how bad the injury is for Tyler Goodson right now. He has an elbow injury, and could we see him start the season on IR and let Ulysses Bentley get on the active roster? Could we see the Colts put Khalil Herbert on season-ending IR to keep his rights through the season?
I do think Bentley would make it over Herbert just because he has been healthy, and he has looked serviceable. Special teams could play a factor in this as well.
Wide Receiver (6)
- Roster Locks: Michael Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
- Practice Squad: Coleman Owen, Laquon Treadwell
- Roster Cuts: Blayne Taylor, Tyler Kahmann, Ajou Ajou, Landon Parker
The redundancy continues as we keep the same six for the active roster. The Colts have already said that both Anthony Gould and Ashton Dulin will be core special teams players. Hopefully, this takes Josh Downs out of the return role completely as it subjects him to more injuries.
Hoping the Colts can keep Coleman Owen on the practice squad to continue his development. The rookie has looked great as a receiver and a returner. Look for the Colts to retain Laquan Treadwell on the practice squad as well.
Offensive Line (9)
- Roster Locks: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Danny Pinter, Dalton Tucker, Jalen Travis, Luke Tenuta
- Practice Squad: Josh Sills, Mose Vavao, Marshall Foerner
- Roster Cuts: Wesley French, Marcellus Johnson
We hold on to the predictions that we put out last week, with backup tackle Blake Freeland being placed on season-long IR. The Colts had depth on the line this season, but it seemed to be very interior-focused. The need now is at swing tackle after losing Freeland. So Luke Tenuta and Marshall Foerner would be the final two candidates for that spot.
I give the edge to Luke Tenuta, but do not be surprised to see a waiver claim after the rest of the league finalizes their rosters. It's too important a position to leave to rookie Jalen Travis and Luke Tenuta.
Tight End (4)
- Roster Locks: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
- Practice Squad: Maximilian Mang, Jelani Woods
- Roster Cuts: Sean McKeon
We got the clarity we were looking for after the preseason game. I know I mentioned last week that we might see either Mo Alie-Cox or Drew Ogletree on the bubble to keep Jelani Woods. I have changed my tune a bit on that after this week. While I do think it's feasible for it to happen, I think they value the blocking too much.
Will Mallory has shone as a vertical threat and improved blocker. Tyler Warren is primed for a monster rookie campaign with Daniel Jones under center. I do think the Colts try to sneak Jelani Woods on the practice squad along with Maximilian Mang. He gets a free practice squad spot with the International Player Exemption.
Defensive Line (10)
- Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Laiatu Latu, Tyquan Lewis, Samson Ebukam, JT Tuimoloau, Neville Gallimore, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Tim Smith
- Practice Squad: Isaiah Land, Durrell Nchami, Eric Johnson II
- Roster Cuts: Josh Tupou, Devonta Davis, Marcus Haynes, Desmond Little
Ten seems to be the right number here for the defensive line. We know how much Chris Ballard values depth here, and he definitely has it if they can stay healthy.
I have gone back and forth on the final spot between rookie Tim Smith and Eric Johnson. Tim Smith did leave the final preseason game with an unspecified injury. He went to the sideline but was held out for the remainder of the game. The injury seems minor, so we will give Smith the final spot for his run-stopping ability.
Look for the team to try to sneak Isaiah Land on the practice squad as well, but it's likely he gets claimed.
Linebacker (5)
- Roster Locks: Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Segun Olubi, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bachie
- Practice Squad: Austin Ajiake, Solomon DeShields
- Roster Cuts: Jake Chaney, Joseph Vaughn
I have heard some rumblings that they may keep only four linebackers so they can keep seven defensive backs or five safeties. I do not hate the idea, but with the injury to Jaylon Carlies and Zaire Franklin is getting up to speed from his recovery, I just cannot bring myself to say they keep four. I would not be surprised if Jaylon Carlies starts on short-term IR for the season as well.
The final spot looks to be between Segun Olubi and Austin Ajiake. I give Olubi the edge because of his potential impact on special teams. Like the offensive line, I would not be surprised to see a waiver claim here, especially if Carlies is more injured than we are led to believe.
Cornerback (6)
- Roster Locks: Charvarius Ward, Xavien Howard, Jaylon Jones, Kenny Moore II, Johnathan Edwards, JuJu Brents
- Practice Squad: Chris Lammons, Alex Johnson
- Roster Cuts: BJ Mayes, Duke Shelley, Ladarius Tennison, Samuel Womack
The Colts made a splash signing by bringing in Xavien Howard, presumably to start Week 1. He signed a one-year contract worth $5 million and has a history with Lou Anarumo. More good news poured in as we saw both Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents return to practice this week, albeit in a limited fashion.
I can see this going with multiple scenarios, but I think the final spot will be between Jonathan Edwards and Chris Lammons. Both can play the nickel corner spot well, and that's the spot they need the depth in. The Samuel Womack injury and the signing of Howard likely bump him off the team.
Safety (4)
- Roster Locks: Camryn Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Nick Cross, Daniel Scott
- Practice Squad: Trey Washington
- Roster Cuts: None
With the season-ending injury to rookie Hunter Wohler, we move Daniel Scott into the final safety spot and move Trey Washington onto the practice squad. The Wohler news was a punch in the stomach, not only to the fanbase but the secondary. He looked fantastic all preseason and had a real opportunity to contribute this season.
Daniel Scott is a true question mark as he missed the past two seasons with injuries. Big opportunity for both Scott and Washington, but do not be surprised if they look on the waiver wire for depth after the first cuts.
Special Teams (3)
- Roster Locks: Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
- Roster Cuts: Maddux Trujilo
Special teams coach Brian Mason has confirmed that Spencer Shrader is the leader in the clubhouse for the kicker spot. Maddux Trujilo has not kicked in a game yet, and Shrader has looked good all preseason and in camp.