Projecting the Colts initial 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season

Running Back (4)

Roster Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Zach Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson
Practice Squad: Jake Funk
Cuts: Kenyan Drake, Jason Huntley

Much tougher decision here for the running back room. I could see them holding five running backs going into the first few weeks of the season with the uncertainty surrounding Taylor and the injury to Moss. I give the slight edge to Deon Jackson over Drake, as Jackson has been seeing a lot of preseason time where Drake has not. Drake could latch on as a fill in elsewhere if another running back goes down in the league.

The Colts keep Funk on the practice squad to let him continue his development. If Taylor is traded, then it will depend on if we trade for another RB or just draft capital. If Taylor does in fact get moved and we don't get a running back in return, I think Funk will make the final roster as the last RB and Huntley will get a practice squad spot.

Wide Receiver (5)

Roster Locks: Micheal Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Isiah McKenzie, Juwann Winfree
Practice Squad: Amari Rodgers, Mike Strachan
Cuts: DJ Montgomery, Breshad Perriman, Vyncint Smith, Tyler Adams, James Washington, Kody Case

The ever-changing WR room is starting to take shape as special teams ace Ashton Dulin tore his ACL in camp and was placed on IR, opening a spot for a bubble player. Strachan, Winfree, Rodgers, and Washington will all be in consideration for the final spot, but Winfree has made the most of his ability and availability that should give him the edge for that final spot. I think Strachan has the most talent of the bubble guys here, but Steichen has said that special teams will play a major factor in that final spot.