Indianapolis Colts

Colts Final 53-Man Roster Projection

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts players wait before being introduced before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts will have to trim their roster from 74 to 53 players by Saturday’s afternoon deadline, which means that 21 players will soon be released–with the D’Joun Smith cut being taken into consideration now. Here’s our current 53-man roster projection:

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Scott Tolzien (16), left, and Andrew Luck (12) on the sidelines in the first half during their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien

Released: QB Stephen Morris

Overview: It’s no secret that Andrew Luck is entrenched as the Colts quarterback for the foreseeable future, after inking the richest deal in NFL history earlier this offseason.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Stephen Morris (7) looks to pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts have also refused to entertain any backup quarterback controversy by stating that 6-year veteran Scott Tolzien will be Luck’s primary backup no matter what happened in preseason.

In a perfect world–one where the Colts weren’t decimated at other key positions with injuries, the team could ideally keep young quarterback Stephen Morris as their 3rd-string quarterback, who impressed in preseason–showing off his overall arm, accuracy, and mobility in extended playing time.

After last year’s quarterback carousel, it may not be the worst idea even so, as the Colts were forced to play 5 different quarterbacks last year between Andrew Luck, Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Josh Freeman, and Ryan Lindley.

However, due to injuries, the team will be hard-pressed to have the roster room to keep Morris on the active roster, although the Colts would have to pretty excited to see him remain in the organization on their practice squad for another season.

Jul 27, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger/Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Sports

Running Back: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, Jordan Todman

Released: RB’s Josh Ferguson, Stevan Ridley

Overview: The Colts are solid at the starting spot with Frank Gore, it’s just a matter of who’s playing behind him right now.

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Turbin hasn’t been great in preseason, but he’d at least give the Colts a known veteran commodity in their backfield.

Through 4 preseason games, Turbin rushed for 60 rushing yards on 18 carries (3.3 ypc avg). His red zone fumble in the preseason finale hurt his stock, but not enough to potentially jeopardize his roster spot by any means.

With their 3rd running spot, the Colts will elect to go with a backup running back who’s been both productive in preseason and has shown the ability to play special teams. Surprise sleeper Jordan Todman, who’s actually been the team’s most productive running back rushing the football this preseason with 13 carries for 57 rushing yards (4.4 ypc avg), as well as serving as a special teams returnman.

The Colts were expecting prized undrafted rookie free agent Josh Ferguson to make their backfield; however, Ferguson has been brutal rushing the football, carrying the football 19 times for just 15 total rushing yards (0.79 ypc avg)–i.e. more carries than rushing yards.

Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Josh Ferguson (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

It hasn’t been all bad for Ferguson, who’s shown his special ability to catch-and-run in the last two games with 8 receptions for 61 receiving yards. However, receiving ability alone isn’t enough to justify keeping a young running back on the roster, who hasn’t shown much elsewhere–especially with all the injuries on the roster.

Otherwise, the Colts brought in veteran Stevan Ridley for a look this week, but his Colts debut didn’t go very well with 9 rushes for just 11 rushing yards (1.2 ypc avg) and a 4th quarter screen pass drop that may have been an easy touchdown with a calvary of willing blockers ahead.

It would be hard to justify keeping Ridley on the roster, unless the Colts were simply going off his name brand recognition and past track record because both Todman and even Ferguson played better.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts Stevan Ridley (35) runs against Cincinnati Bengals inside linebacker Nick Vigil (59) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Tevaun Smith (5) is taken down by Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Chykie Brown (23) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Quan Bray, Chester Rogers, Tevaun Smith

Released: WR MeKale McKay

Obviously, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and Phillip Dorsett are solidified atop the Colts depth chart, but it’s the wide receivers below them that is the underlying question.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Chester Rogers (3) is up ended by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Tony McRae (29) in the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts could keep 6 wide receivers, as it helps that Quan Bray is actually more gifted special teams returnman that receiver. A pair of undrafted rookies Chester Rogers and Tevaun Smith have earned their right to make the team, and it would be surprising to see either one get released–especially in Rogers’ case.

Specifically, Rogers had 14 receptions for 174 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown this preseason, while Smith added 10 receptions for 138 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns–including last night’s game-winning score.

McKay has shown some flashes, as well as the ability to play special teams, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts tried to stash him on their practice squad. He just appears to be clearly behind both Rogers and Tevaun Smith in the wide receiver pecking order.

Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Wilder Jr. (38) tries to block Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends: Dwayne Allen, Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope

Released: TE Chase Coffman

Both Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle are locks to make the Colts roster, but Erik Swoope has gone from a former basketball project to a legit NFL caliber tight end for the team. Through 4 preseason games, Swoope had 10 receptions for 103 receiving yards, actually looking fluid in his routes and catching the football.

The 7-year pro Chase Coffman hung around long with the Colts to his credit, but there’s no room currently for four tight ends. However, he made some plays in the team’s preseason finale, catching 2 early passes for 35 total receiving yards and could get a look from another team seeking veteran depth.

Jul 27, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger/Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line: LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Jack Mewhort, C Ryan Kelly, RG Denzelle Good, RT Joe Reitz,OT Le’Raven Clark, OG Jonotthan Harrison, OT/OG Joe Haeg, C Austin Blythe

Released: OG Kitt O’Brien, OG Adam Redmond, OG Hugh Thornton (injured reserve), OT Mitchell Van Dyk, OT Jeremy Vujnovich.

The Colts starting offensive line is set with Anthony Castonzo, Jack Mewhort (*once healthy), Ryan Kelly, Denzelle Good, and Joe Reitz (left to right).

Jul 28, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Jeremy Vujnovich (67) cools off after a drill during the Indianapolis Colts NFL training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/Indy Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

However, who else they’re keeping is less clear. Rookie offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark, Joe Haeg, and Austin Blythe appear to be relatively safe bets to make the roster, as well as 3rd-year veteran Jonotthan Harrison given his interior versatility.

The Colts could always keep an extra offensive lineman like OG Kitt O’Brien or OT Jeremy Vujnovich around for extra insurance, but there’s also greater depth issues elsewhere on the roster–namely at cornerback and defensive line. However, Haeg’s ankle injury will be well-worth monitoring, as his injury could really be the difference in one of these two players making the roster as well if it lingers.

Like D’Joun Smith, another former 3rd round pick of the Colts, Hugh Thornton, could soon be released due to injuries. The Colts are clearly willing now to sacrifice past early round draft picks, if they’ve proven they can’t stay healthy and play on the field. On talent alone, Thornton has enough ability to make the team’s 53-man roster, but he hasn’t played all preseason due to injuries and his time with the Colts may be coming to an abrupt end–having been unable to audition.

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Zach Kerr (94) during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive line: Henry Anderson, David Parry, Kendall Langford, Hassan Ridgeway, T.Y. McGill, Zach Kerr, Sterling Bailey

Released: Kelcy Quarles

Overview: The Colts will have to hold down the fort until key defensive line starters Henry Anderson and Kendall Langford can fully return from injuries, and even later when Art Jones is reinstated from his 4-game suspension, which means that an additional defensive lineman such as Sterling Bailey will presumably be kept around for extra depth in the mean time.

Between Sterling and the projected to be released Kelcy Quarles, Bailey is younger and had more tackles–8 tackles to Quarles 2 in preseason, which is why we’re giving him the slight edge here.

Otherwise, David Parry, Hassan Ridgeway, Zach Kerr, and T.Y McGill appear to be locks to make the Colts final 53-man roster along the defensive line. It’s worth noting that McGill has been arguably the team’s best preseason performer–consistently terrorizing opponent’s backfields.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Tra Carson (39) carries the ball as he is tackled by Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Curt Maggitt (92) in the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Outside Linebacker: Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, Trent Cole, Earl Okine, Curt Maggitt

Released: OLB’s Trevor Bates, Ron Thompson

Overview: Veterans Robert Mathis, Erik Walden, and Trent Cole can be safely penciled onto the Colts roster as starters or at least key rotational linebackers.

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Earl Okine (95) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Behind them, it appears to be a 4-horse race between Earl Okine, Curt Maggitt, Trevor Bates, and Ron Thompson Jr.; all of whom have shown at least some pass rushing flashes this preseason.

However, if we’re going off entirely preseason production–and not just draft pedigree (in Bates’ case), Okine, and Maggitt have consistently stood out the most of this group during preseason in my opinion.

They’re the most deserving to make the 53-man roster, while Bates and Thompson could easily be re-signed to the practice squad as young developmental pass rushers.

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenjon Barner (34) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Antonio Morrison (44) in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sportss

Inside Linebacker: D’Qwell Jackson, Sio Moore, Nate Irving, Antonio Morrison, Edwin Jackson

Released: ILB Josh McNary

Veterans D’Qwell Jackson, Sio Moore, and Nate Irving are easy selections to make the Colts 53-man roster, as well as rookie 4th round pick Antonio Morrison–who was active in preseason.

The battle really comes down to Josh McNary versus Edwin Jackson–both of whom appear to have the capability to be key core special teams players. In my opinion, McNary is much more similar to Morrison in playing ability, which seems a bit redundant on the roster.

Meanwhile, Edwin Jackson is a natural “run-and-hit” linebacker–as arguably one of the team’s best athletes at inside linebacker, which plays great on special teams. That alone should give him the slight edge. If not, he looks like a young linebacker that the Colts would obviously like to keep on their practice squad going forward.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Frankie Williams (46) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerbacks: Vontae Davis, Patrick Robinson, Antonio Cromartie, Darius Butler, Jalil Brown, Frankie Williams

Released: CB’s Tay Glover-Wright, Christopher Milton, Tevin Mitchel

Overview:

Pick an injury! Any Injury!

The Colts are ravaged at cornerback with injuries to both starters Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson, as well as having key backups such as Darius Butler and Jalil Brown dinged up as well.

Veteran Antonio Cromartie was recently signed for depth, as well as presumably a pinch-starter, but the Colts could still use an additional cornerback for insurance.

Head coach Chuck Pagano has recently praised Purdue undrafted rookie cornerback Frankie Williams, who’s held his own as a nickel cornerback in preseason–rarely making mistakes and playing tight coverage. That type of scrappy cornerback could be useful until key Colts cornerbacks have fully recovered.

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety T.J. Green (32) has his helmet come off as he tackles Philadelphia Eagles tight end Trey Burton (47) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Safety: Mike Adams, Clayton Geathers, T.J. Green, Winston Guy

Released: Alden Darby, Lee Hightower, Stefan McClure

Overview:

The Colts apparently plan on removing 2nd-year safety Clayton Geathers from the non-football injury list, which would otherwise force him to miss the team’s first 6 regular season games. He may not be ready for the opener, but he appears much further along than that timetable.

It limits their depth though because if Geathers can’t play right away, the Colts may only have room for one backup safety–another reason why keeping another cornerback such as Frankie Williams could prove advantageous to help the overall defensive back depth.

Otherwise, veteran Mike Adams and rookie 2nd round pick T.J. Green are locks–with the latter expected to start in Geathers’ potential absence. Behind them, Winston Guy had a productive preseason with 3 tackles and an interception in 3 games (1 start) and has proven he can play both backup safety and special teams for the team at a solid level.

Sep 1, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) holds as kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks a field goal in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Colts won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams: PK Adam Vinatieri, P Pat McAfee, LS Matt Overton, KR/PR Quan Bray

Released: N/a

Overview: No explanation needed.