Following the first week of training camp practices for the Indianapolis Colts, which player at each position group finds themselves on the roster bubble?
After projecting which players will make the final 53-man roster, given what we know at this stage of training camp, let’s examine who may be on the outside looking in currently.
With several weeks of practices, three preseason games, and two joint practices remaining, there is still time for these players to make a roster push.
Quarterback
None
Anthony Richardson could still be traded, but for now, he’s on the team, and his roster spot — in terms of being cut — isn’t in jeopardy, giving the Colts three quarterbacks on the 53-man, which is how many they’ve carried each season under Shane Steichen.
Running back
None
DJ Giddens and Seth McGowan are competing for the backup running back role, but both are expected to be on the team.
Wide receiver
Anthony Gould, Deion Burks
Alec Pierce and Josh Downs will lead the way. And based on playing time, Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine — in no particular order — are the next three on the depth chart. That potentially leaves Gould and Burks competing for one spot. The better return man may get the job.
Tight end
Will Mallory
Mallory very well could end up as the fourth tight end, but I don’t consider him a roster lock. I think that the Colts keeping three tight ends is in play. Mallory was often inactive last season.
Offensive line
Nolan Rucci, Jimmy Morrissey
Perhaps Rucci could push Luke Tenuta or Blake Freeland for one of the tackle spots off the bench. Morrissey seems to be in the mix with Dalton Tucker for the backup center role.
Defensive line
Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi
If the Colts keep five defensive tackles, which is fairly common, these two are competing for one spot. At defensive end, George Gumbs and Caden Curry probably make the team.
Linebacker
Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake, West Weeks, Tahj Chambers
I think the only thing we can say with certainty here is that CJ Allen, Akeem Davis-Gaither, and Bryce Boettcher will be on the team. How many linebackers are on the Colts’ roster and who earns those final spots is up in the air, although Carlies and Ajiake are probably the favorites.
Cornerback
Johnathan Edwards, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, Cam Taylor-Britt
These four players are likely competing for three roster spots.
Safety
Juanyeh Thomas, Daniel Scott
Hunter Wohler and AJ Haulcy are competing for the starting safety role, while special teams coordinator Brian Mason noted Jonathan Owens’ special teams contributions. I think Thomas and Scott end up competing for potentially one roster spot. It’s also possible the Colts keep only four safeties.
Specialists
Spencer Shrader
The competition at kicker still has a ways to go, but Blake Grupe is the early leader.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 18 Colts players on roster bubble after 6 training camp practices
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
