The Colts lost the preseason opener by a final score of 34-30 at home against the Denver Broncos. The Colts offensive starters only played two series and to be honest, they were abysmal. They were able to get one first down and could not get the offense going against the defensive starters of Denver. It’s hard to take a lot from preseason games, but it's time to make the newest 53-man roster update with some game analysis sprinkled in.
Quarterback (2)
Roster Locks: Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco
Practice Squad: Same Ehlinger (3rd QB)
Cuts: Kedon Slovis, Jason Bean
Even with an abysmal performance from the first team offense nothing has changed at the top as Richardson will be the starter. Richardson needs more snaps, and meaningful ones too. Joe Flacco looked great in the backup role. He can still sling it and will be able to play at a high level when called upon.
The 3rd quarterback spot got a little more interesting this week as we saw all three play and were serviceable. Now, obviously the competition was not as heated as they faced reserves on the field. Regardless, reps are reps. Ehlinger looked good, even with the interception, and Kedon Slovis looked decent. The standout to me was Jason Bean as he was able to move the ball down the field, get out of the pocket and make some plays. He even tossed a touchdown to Laquon Treadwell. It’s a battle of small importance but having a solid developmental quarterback this season will be helpful for the depth.
Running Back (4)
Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Evan Hull, Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson
Practice Squad: Demetric Felton
Cuts: None
Of course, Jonathan Taylor played his only two series and was done for the day. After that, we saw Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson, and Evan Hull (in that order) for much of the game. Trent Pennix did show up on the box score with one reception. Goodson and Hull both got into the end zone, but I would give a slight edge to Hull this week.
While the team was able to come out reasonably unscathed overall, the one standout injury was Trey Sermon. He suffered a hamstring injury in the first half and was not able to return. The team did not specify if the injury was serious or not as most players do not return to action when injured in the preseason.
Trent Pennix popped up on the post-game injury report and the Colts have placed him on the Waived/Injured list (will revert to injured reserve if not claimed) as of Monday morning and signed recently released Chicago Bears RB Demetric Felton, who was stuffed in a jumbled battle in Chicago. He was signed as a body to get some reps while Sermon recovers. A practice squad spot is not out of the question for him this season.
Wide Receiver (6)
Roster Locks: Micheal Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould
Practice Squad: DJ Montgomery, Ethan Fernea
Roster Cuts: Derek Slywka, Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, Laquon Treadwell
We saw a minimal amount from the core of receivers this week as they followed suit with only two series. It was expected, and I do not see much change in the prediction from the last roster update. This group has been going along as expected all offseason. Even with the injury to Josh Downs, I do not foresee them bringing in a replacement. Remember, last season the team kept only 4 receivers on the roster at times.
It was surprising to not see a larger role for rookie Anthony Gould in the passing game as he did not have a single target, but he was a factor in the return game. DJ Montgomery was the leading receiver this week with two receptions for 45 yards, including 39 of those on one play. I don’t think he makes the roster, but look for him to continue his development on the practice squad.
Tight End (4)
Roster Locks: Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Drew Ogletree
Practice Squad: Jordan Murray
Roster Cuts: Eric Tomlinson, Mo Alie-Cox
What a jumbled-up room this has become. It appears that there are 5 capable players going for 4 roster spots. I just cannot see how you justify having 5 roster spots on this team from here. It appears the only lock, now, is Kylen Granson. After that it looks like the order is Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory and then Jelani Woods.
No one can justify any decisions right now, especially from Shane Steichen, as he keeps everything close to the vest. As mentioned last week about eating crow on Mo Alie-Cox, I am going to stand by my previous choice that he is still the odd man out in this group.
However, I feel this franchise could look to cut Jelani Woods if he cannot come back from his injuries. This team is based on youth and development right now and Mo Alie-Cox does not fit that plan. The other four would be grabbed quickly on waivers or free agency. So, the decision on the direction of the room will need to be decided soon.
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.
Linebacker (6)
Roster Locks: EJ Speed, Zaire Franklin, Grant Stuard, Segun Olubi, Isiah Land, Jaylon Carlies
Practice Squad: Austin Ajiake, Liam Anderson
Roster Cuts: Cameron McGrone, Craig Young
This group seems pretty set for the moment. Franklin and Speed are the obvious locks for various reasons, and I think Grant Stuard will be a lock as well because of his ability to contribute on special teams.
Jaylon Carlies has been battling an injury during camp but has been terrific during summer camps. The final two spots appear to be Segun Olubi and Isiah Land as they had some good reps during the Denver game. Look for Cameron McGrone to make things interesting as he saw some meaningful action in the second half.
Cornerback (6)
Roster Locks: JuJu Brents, Kenny Moore, Jaylon Jones, Dallis Flowers, Jaylin Simpson, Micah Abraham
Practice Squad: Ameer Speed
Roster Cuts: Chris Lammons, Darrell Baker Jr, Clay Fields
A difficult day for Dallis Flowers will continue the pressure on this organization from the fan base to bring in some depth to this position. Flowers did not have a great day as this was his first game since his season ending Achillies injury last season. We all expected him to be rusty, but it was an underwhelming performance.
Kenny Moore made a heads-up play in the first quarter with a tip drill interception. Jaylon Jones is cementing himself as the starting outside cornerback this season opposite JuJu Brents.
Micah Abraham was terrific as well with a heads-up forced fumble along with the recovery and a touchdown return. If he was not on the radar to make the roster, he is now. Jaylin Simpson got some snaps, but he still looks like he is still getting acclimated to life as an NFL player. If Flowers continues to sputter look for Darrell Baker Jr. and Chris Lammons to try to sneak onto this roster.
Safety (4)
Roster Locks: Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II, Nick Cross, Ronnie Harrison Jr
Practice Squad: Marcel Dabo, Trevor Denbow
Roster Cuts: Kendall Brooks, Micheal Tutsie
For as much chatter as this group has brought amongst the fan base, this group played terrific this week. They were far from perfect, but Nick Cross looks to finally be solidifying his spot as the team’s unquestioned starter alongside Julian Blackmon. Ronnie Harrison Jr. was fine along with Rodney Thomas II. Trevor Denbow saw some time on special teams so he could sneak in as one of the final roster spots if they need depth in that department.
Special Teams (3)
Roster Locks: Matt Gay, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Practice Squad: None
Roster Cuts: Spencer Shrader
The same crew returns this season. All three have played at Pro Bowl levels and that will be the expectation again this season.