Colts 53-man roster projection after Preseason Week 1

Offensive Line (9)
Roster Locks: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith, Blake Freeland, Danny Pinter, Matthew Gonclaves, Tanor Bortolini
Practice Squad: Jake Witt, Dalton Tucker
Roster Cuts: Josh Sills, Arlington Hambright, Ryan Coll

This week’s game gave a little glimpse into the competition going on for the reserve roles as the starting roles have been solidified. This group is improving, and it looks like the team will have some depth this year if needed.

With the loss of backup center Wesley French to an ankle injury, the spotlight battle will be between Danny Pinter and Tanor Bortolini to back up starting center Ryan Kelly. Both got reps at center and on the interior of the line.

Versatility will help them establish a role but don’t forget about Josh Sills as well. Rookie Dalton Tucker saw some time with the second team as well. These four players could be battling for the final two roster spots in the room. My edge goes to Danny Pinter but there is plenty of time to sort this all out.

Defensive Line (9)
Roster Locks: Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Taven Bryan, Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore
Practice Squad: Titus Leo, Jonah Laulu, Levi Bell
Roster Cuts: Eric Johnson II, Genard Avery

With the loss of Samson Ebukam, this room will have some shifting roles a bit. The fans will see a healthy dose of Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis in the starting positions now. Whether we like it or not, this means an increased role for rookie Laiatu Latu.

While he did not stand out on the box score against Denver, you can see that Latu is going to be a problem for other teams. The Broncos put three (yes, three) guys on him during a rush in the first quarter. He is already being shown respect from opponents and I do not expect that to change.

I am starting to have some serious concerns about Raekwon Davis, as he did not suit up for the preseason game and has not been seen on the practice field due to some blood pressure related issues. Could he be a roster cut or injured reserve candidate if they cannot get his condition under control?

It does appear that Adetomiwa Adebawore will have a role going forward on this team in the rotation along with special teams as he did get the start with Buckner not playing. Taven Bryan gets moved into the roster with the uncertainty surrounding Raekwon Davis.