The Indianapolis Colts have one more game left in their 2026 season, which means many players have one last opportunity to show Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen they deserve to keep getting paid by the organization. Indy plays the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
Most roster spots are likely taken, but four or five might not be. That also includes two players not listed below battling for one spot: Kickers Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader. With another better preseason performance by Shrader, he could boot Grupe out of Indy.
For others hanging onto the bottom of the roster, they will face their fate by 6 pm ET on Sunday, August 30. That is when final cuts must be made, and some of the players below might be looking for a new team to play for.
4 Indianapolis Colts have the most to gain in the final preseason game versus the Detroit Lions
Wide receiver Coleman Owen
Owens has only caught three passes in the preseason on eight targets, but has 34 yards after the catch. He isn't big or powerful, but that also might have no bearing on whether he makes the roster or not.
Even if he makes the team, he likely wouldn't see many offensive reps, but he could play a valuable role on special teams. He has been a solid punt and kick returner in the preseason, and that might be enough to earn him a spot on a team that needs those. That could push Anthony Gould off the roster, but that might be one of the roster battles to watch in preseason Week 3.
Wide receiver Deion Burks
Burks could also be in a position to make the team as a kick returner and has returned six of them through two preseason games for an average of 24.2 yards per return. That is two yards less than what Owen has done, but Burks also has the longest kick return at 31 yards.
The rookie should be able to make his argument for a roster spot as a receiver, however. The top three of that group are set with Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Keenan Allen, but after them, it's a mixed bag. Burks leads all wide receivers with five catches in the preseason, though he has averaged only 5.6 yards per catch. That needs to improve versus the Lions.
Center Jimmy Morrissey
As much as some have complained about the depth at center for the Indianapolis Colts, both Morrissey and Dalton Tucker have been fine. Those two might be battling for a spot behind Tanor Bortolini, and the other might be looking for a new team.
Morrissey has received the second-most reps of any offensive lineman in the preseason with 88, though that isn't necessarily a great sign. The team is trying to figure out what they have in him. As a run-blocker, however, he has been elite, and though he's given up three pressures in 57 pass-block snaps, he hasn't allowed a sack.
Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr.
Gumbs was chosen in the fifth round this year, but he is a raw prospect who might not help the team much in what is likely a make-or-break season for many involved in the organization. Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard are trying to keep their jobs, and that might mean not taking risks on players like Gumbs.
He has played 92 snaps in the preseason and hasn't been overly good. He does have three total quarterback pressures, but he's had more pass-rush opportunities than anyone else. He's not been good against the run either. Should he shine against the Detroit Lions, he should cement his roster spot. Otherwise, he might be on his way out.
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