Indianapolis Colts 53-Man Roster Forecast Ahead of the NFL Deadline: Key Additions and Retentions Predicted

The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their preseason slate with a 41-14 rout over the Cincinnati Bengals. With most starters sitting out, players on the roster bubble were given extensive playing time as they made their final push to secure a spot on the team.

With all of the preseason action now in the books, here is how I see the initial Colts 53-man roster shaking out with roster cuts due by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Note: Starters denoted with an asterisk *

Quarterbacks (3): Daniel Jones*, Anthony Richardson Sr., Riley Leonard

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws a pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Head coach Shane Steichen announced Jones as the starter last Tuesday, leaving Richardson’s standing with the team in question. While the Colts continue to publicly say they have not given up on the former No.4 overall pick, the Anthony Richardson experiment seems to be over in Indy. Leonard locks up the QB3 role and could be the long-term backup quarterback in Indy with the proper development.

Running Backs (3): Jonathan Taylor*, DJ Giddens, Khalil Herbert, Tyler Goodson (IR)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) pushes off Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback De’Antre Prince (24) as he rushes the ball during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Expect the offense to run through Taylor yet again this season, with the former All-Pro healthy and looking like his normal self in camp. Herbert makes the initial 53-man roster as Goodson goes to injured reserve with an elbow injury, forcing him to miss the first four games. Ulysses Bentley IV had a great summer with the Colts, who will certainly want the undrafted rookie to return on the practice squad.

Wide Receivers (6): Michael Pittman Jr.*, Alec Pierce*, Josh Downs*, AD Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The wide receiver group in Indy goes unchanged from 2024 to 2025. It is a deep group with Pittman, Pierce, and Downs as the clear starters, with Mitchell, Dulin, and Gould providing quality depth. Laquon Treadwell had a solid preseason as well and will likely be in line for a spot on the practice squad.

Tight Ends (4): Tyler Warren*, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) runs after catching a pass Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. / Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Warren has been everything the Colts envisioned and moreand the rookie has established himself as TE1. A name not on the roster is Jelani Woods, who loses out to Mallory for the final tight end spot. The former third-round pick is finally healthy after missing the past two seasons, but inconsistent play and the ascension of Mallory bring an end to Woods’ time in Indy.

Offensive Line (9): Bernard Raimann*, Quenton Nelson*, Tanor Bortolini*, Matt Goncalves*, Braden Smith*, Jalen Travis, Danny Pinter, Dalton Tucker, Luke Tenuta

Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) blocks against Houston Texans linebacker Jake Hansen (35) during the game at NRG Stadium. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Colts will welcome two new starters on the offensive line this season in Bortolini and Goncalves, as both head into their second seasons. Travis will be the swing tackle for Indy, with Pinter and Tucker providing depth in the middle. Tenuta makes it with Blake Freeland on injured reserve, but after a shaky preseason, the Colts could be looking to add at tackle after cuts happen across the league.

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Defensive Line (10): Laiatu Latu*, DeForest Buckner*, Grover Stewart*, Kwity Paye*, Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, JT Tuimoloau, Neville Gallimore, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Isaiah Land

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) puts pressure on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Colts boast one of the best defensive tackle tandems in football with Buckner and Stewart, and the team is hoping for a big Year-2 leap from Latu after a stellar camp. The final spot on the defensive line came down to Land and Tim Smith. Land just ekes out Smith due to a really solid preseason, while the rookie can continue to develop on the practice squad.

Linebackers (5): Zaire Franklin*, Joe Bachie*, Cameron McGrone, Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) reacts after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) in overtime Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Linebacker is definitely the weakest group on the Colts’ roster. Bachie looks like the favorite to start next to Franklin, as injuries to Carlies have forced him to miss a considerable amount of time this summer. Carlies, who was expected to start at the WILL spot, will need to get healthy and overtake Bachie if he wants a sizable role on defense. The Colts will certainly look to add at linebacker after roster cuts conclude.

Cornerbacks (6): Charvarius Ward*, Kenny Moore II*, Xavien Howard*, Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, Chris Lammons

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) slides to the turf after intercepting a pass at the end of the game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The re-made secondary of the Colts will feature former Pro Bowlers at all three cornerback positions, in Ward, Moore, and the newly signed Howard. With Jones and Brents back from hamstring injuries, they provide quality depth on the outside. Lammons beats out Samuel Womack III, Johnathan Edwards, and Alex Johnson for the final spot that would have been held by rookie Justin Walley, who will spend the season on injured reserve after tearing his ACL.

Safeties (4): Cam Bynum*, Nick Cross*, Rodney Thomas II, Daniel Scott

Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) celebrates after a defensive stop during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Bynum and Cross provide a solid tandem at safety, with the former making plays throughout camp. However, with rookie Hunter Wohler out for the year with a foot injury, the depth at safety is a concern. Scott flashed in the preseasonbut the Colts should keep an eye on the market at this position as well.

Specialists (3): Spencer Shrader*, Rigoberto Sanchez*, Luke Rhodes*

Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) attempts a field goal from the hold of Rigoberto Sanchez (0) during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Shrader won the kicking battle going away against rookie Maddux Trujillo and hopes to be the long-term kicker in Indy. Sanchez and Rhodes continue to be among the best at their positions.

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Quarterbacks: Stability and Depth

The Colts’ QB room appears largely settled. Anthony Richardson, barring any late-camp setbacks, is firmly the starter.His development is paramount too the Colts’ 2025 season.

Locks: Anthony Richardson, gardner Minshew

Bubble: Sam Ehlinger – Ehlinger’s pre-season performance will be crucial. The colts may opt to keep three QBs given Richardson’s injury history,but it’s not a guarantee. Expect a strong push from undrafted free agents as well.

Key Focus: Monitoring Richardson’s health and ensuring Minshew is fully prepared to step in if needed.The Colts need reliable quarterback depth to navigate a potentially challenging season.

Running Backs: A Committee Approach

Jonathan Taylor’s contract situation continues to be a storyline, but assuming he’s on the roster, he’ll lead the backfield.the Colts have invested in building depth.

Locks: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss

Likely: Trey Sermon – Sermon has shown flashes and provides a different skillset.

bubble: Kenyan drake, tyler Goodson – A tough competition for the final spot. Special teams contributions will be a deciding factor. The Colts are looking for a running back by committee approach to lessen the load on taylor.

Related Search: Colts running back rankings, NFL running back depth charts

Wide Receivers: Emerging Talent and Veteran Presence

This is arguably the most improved unit for the Colts.Michael Pittman Jr.remains the focal point, but the additions of promising rookies and free agents have created competition.

Locks: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs

Likely: Alec Pierce – Pierce needs to stay healthy and build on his 2024 progress.

Bubble: Adonai Mitchell (Rookie), Jameson Williams, Isaiah McKenzie – Mitchell’s draft pedigree gives him an edge, but Williams is a proven NFL receiver. McKenzie’s special teams ability could be the difference. The Colts are prioritizing wide receiver speed and route running.

Impact Rookie: Adonai Mitchell – Watch for Mitchell to contribute promptly as a deep threat.

Tight Ends: Jelani Woods’ Prospect

The tight end position is a bit of a question mark. Jelani Woods has the potential to be a meaningful contributor, but needs to stay on the field.

Locks: Jelani Woods

Likely: Will Mallory – Mallory provides a reliable target and solid blocking.

Bubble: Drew Ogletree – Ogletree’s blocking ability is valuable, but his receiving skills are limited.

Key Need: Consistent production from the tight end position to provide another offensive weapon for Richardson.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback

Protecting Anthony Richardson is the top priority. The Colts have invested heavily in the offensive line, and it needs to perform.

Locks: Braden Smith (RT), Ryan McCollum (LG), Luke Goedeke (RG)

Likely: Joe Thuney (C) – A veteran leader and key piece of the line.

Bubble: Jake Witt, Carter Smith – Competition for depth and potential swing tackle role. The Colts are focused on offensive line stability and run blocking.

Real-World Example: The Colts’ 2023 struggles highlighted the importance of a strong offensive line.They’ve addressed the issue through the draft and free agency.

Defensive Line: Building a Pass Rush

The Colts are rebuilding their defensive line, focusing on adding young talent and developing a consistent pass rush.

Locks: DeForest buckner, Taven Bryan

Likely: Raequan Williams – Williams has shown promise as a rotational pass rusher.

Bubble: Adetomiwa Adebawore (Rookie), Johnny Mundt – Adebawore’s athleticism is intriguing, but he needs to refine his technique.

Key Focus: Generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. The Colts need a defensive line rotation that can stay fresh throughout the game.

Linebackers: Shaq Leonard’s Return and Emerging Stars

Shaq Leonard’s return to health is a major boost for the Colts’ defense.The linebacker corps is looking stronger than it has in years.

Locks: Shaq Leonard, Zaire Franklin

Likely: Jaylon Carlies – Carlies has shown the ability to cover a lot of ground.

Bubble: Curtis Brooks, Kameron Cline – Competition for rotational roles and special teams contributions.

related Search: Colts linebacker depth chart, NFL linebacker rankings

Cornerbacks: Addressing a Weakness

Cornerback was a significant weakness for the Colts in 2024.They’ve made additions to address the issue.

Locks: Stephon Gilmore, Jaylin Lucas

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