We are nearing the end of the preseason for the Indianapolis Colts. The preseason finale will be played on August 23rd, and then roster cutdowns will take place just a few days later.
With three weeks of training camp practices, two joint practices, and two preseason games, we have a good sample size at this point when it comes to individual performances.
So, with what we know now, following the Colts‘ preseason game against Green Bay, let’s put together our latest 53-man roster prediction.
Indianapolis Colts‘ 53-man roster prediction on offense
Quarterbacks (3): Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard
This seems to be pretty straightforward. As far as who is starting, Shane Steichen will make that decision “shortly.”
Running backs (3): Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Goodson, DJ Giddens
Goodson exited Saturday’s game with an elbow injury. As of now, we don’t know the extent of it, but if he has to miss time, then Khalil Herbert would be the next option–although he’s been sidelined recently with an injury.
Wide receivers (6): Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell, Anthony Gould, Ashton Dulin
No changes here. This room has looked the same all offseason.
Tight ends (4): Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory
Presumably, that last spot on the tight end depth chart is up for grabs. Competing for it are Will Mallory and Jelani Woods, both of whom could fill that receiving-first role. However, I’m not sure much of a competition has materialized here this summer, with Mallory putting together a strong showing since Day 1.
Offensive line (9): Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, Braden Smith, Dalton Tucker, Danny Pinter, Jalen Travis, Luke Tenuta
Blake Freeland suffered a leg fracture in Saturday’s game. Filling in for him was Luke Tenuta, so I put him on the roster with the Colts needing additional tackle depth. But this is a position they could look to make a waiver claim during cutdowns.
Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster prediction on defense
Defensive line (10): DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Neville Gallimore, Eric Johnson, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, JT Tuimoloau
Going with nine offensive linemen this time allowed me to keep a 10th defensive lineman. I added Eric Johnson to the roster after Saturday’s performance, which included him leading the team in tackles.
Linebackers (5): Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake, Cameron McGrone, Joe Bachie
I put Ajiake on the roster over Segun Olubi. The big reason is that when Lou Anarumo was discussing how he wanted to play multiple linebackers, one of the names he mentioned was Ajiake’s.
Cornerback (6): Jaylon Jones, Charvarius Ward, Kenny Moore, Chris Lammons, Samuel Womack, Johnathan Edwards
We still don’t know when Jones will be back on the field, but given his experience, I have him on the roster. Chris Lammons had a terrific game on Saturday, while Edwards got the start opposite of Charvarius Ward. I went with Womack over Alex Johnson because of his experience.
Safeties (4): Nick Cross, Cam Bynum, Rodney Thomas, Hunter Wohler
Wohler exited Saturday’s game with a foot injury, the extent of which we don’t know. But until we hear more, the safety room on the 53-man roster seems to be cut and dry.
Special teams (3): Spencer Shrader, Rigoberto Sanchez, Luke Rhodes
Shrader will be the Colts’ kicker this season.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 53-man roster: Latest projection following Week 2 of preseason
