The Indianapolis Colts play their second preseason game of 2025 against the Green Bay Packers. One thing we should hope for is that the game is better than the joint practice the teams held in the days before the game. Green Bay dominated Indy.
It was a very bad look, and a big reason was because it wasn't Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones that were the problems. The Colts' offensive line, including the presumed starters, were manhandled by the Packers. If Indy wants to sniff a winning record, that cannot be the trend in the regular season.
But some specific players need to make their cases to stay on the team versus Green Bay. Injuries have partly been an issue for a couple of them. One is a rookie who is buried on the depth chart. Either way, these guys need to perform well versus the Packers.
These four Indianapolis Colts need to be great versus the Green Bay Packers
Running back Khalil Herbert
Herbert might not play on Saturday. He hasn't practiced since preseason Week 1 with an undisclosed injury. The Colts' keeping four tailbacks is iffy, and one might assume the veteran Herbert is running fourth currently. He has stayed somewhat healthy for four seasons, but he is also prone to missing three or four games every season.
If Indy does move on from the running back, his dead cap is only $482,500. But maybe he makes a miraculous recovery and plays versus the Packers and does startlingly well. That could be enough to keep him on the roster. Otherwise, he might be as good as gone.
Tight end Jelani Woods
The Colts keeping five tight ends seems far-fetched, but that is exactly where Woods stands on the depth chart currently. He hasn't played in two years, and currently has a better chance of cementing his status as a third-round draft bust than making the team.
Not only does Woods need to show he can consistently stay healthy, but there are real doubts about his potential productivity, too. He was drafted to be more of a pass catcher, but wasn't great as a rookie. Due to so many injuries, one might assume his quickness and speed have been reduced.
Or maybe Woods is terrific against the Packers and makes his possible release a difficult decision for head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. More than likely, Woods is underwhelming.
Quarterback Riley Leonard
Maybe there are some Colts fans who groan at this, but the quarterback might be in trouble because of the drama above him. Indy has a good roster overall, but the QB play could hold the team back from achieving high-end success. In other words, if Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones aren't the answer. Indy might find a quarterback who is.
Maybe the team makes a move for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, for instance. While unlikely, it is still possible. That kind of move might mean Jones goes to Atlanta, or Indy keeps Jones and AR5 and has three veteran QBs, and lets Leonard go.
Plus, Leonard has a long way to go as a passer. He might not even be worth keeping on the roster, no matter if the Colts only keep Jones and Richardson. Against the Packers, Leonard has to be accurate and throw on time to prove he belongs.
Cornerback Alex Johnson
Johnson started preseason Week 1 with an electric interception, showing god athleticism and coverage skills. He also might have a good chance to make the team simply because Indy has been decimated with injuries at cornerback. But Johnson hasn't yet proven in his career that he is worth keeping on an active roster.
He has bounced around practice squads for more than a year, and he currently runs second on the unofficial Indianapolis depth chart behind Kenny Moore II. Johnson could turn into a fan favorite (a guy who didn't have elite skill but constantly worked hard), but he needs to make sure he is excellent against Green Bay.