The Indianapolis Colts kicked off their exhibition slate of games with an odd ending that resulted in a tie against the New England Patriots, but it was everything in between the start and end of the game that really mattered.

Facing injury adversity and a good showing from Anthony Richardson only added to the potential roster decisions coming in Indy, and that was before the long-awaited addition of wide receiver Keenan Allen. So with all that in mind, here is an updated 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of the Colts preseason with help from our friend Grok.

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

In: Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson Sr. Out: Easton Stick

Jones is the clear starter (recovering well from Achilles). Richardson and Leonard are competing for the primary backup; Richardson’s strong preseason showing and the team’s recent QB injury history make keeping three likely despite trade rumors.

Running Backs (3)

In: Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan (R), Ulysses Bentley IV Out: DJ Giddens, Anderson Castle (R), Roydell Williams (R)

Taylor is locked in. Giddens (2025 fifth-rounder) has been limited by a hamstring injury, opening the door for McGowan’s physicality and Bentley’s pass-catching/special teams value as the third back.

Wide Receivers (6)

In: Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Coleman Owen Out: Deion Burks (R), Anthony Gould, Sahmir Hagans (R), E.J. Horton (R; already waived), Eli Pancol, Raylen Sharpe (R), Ben Nikkel, others

Pierce (ankle, limited/missed camp) and Downs are the top two. Allen’s recent one-year signing (up to ~$8.3M) immediately strengthens the group as a veteran No. 3 option under Steichen. Dulin and Westbrook-Ikhine provide experience; Owen edges others with return skills. Depth has been a noted concern.

Tight Ends (4)

In: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory Out: Pharaoh Brown, Carson Towt (R; placed on IR)

Warren is the feature. Mallory’s recent camp/preseason production (especially as a pass-catcher) helps justify four amid thin WR depth; Alie-Cox and Ogletree offer blocking/experience.

Offensive Line (9)

In: LT Bernhard Raimann, LG Quenton Nelson, C Tanor Bortolini, RG Matt Goncalves, RT Jalen Travis, G Jalen Farmer (R), C Dalton Tucker, T Luke Tenuta, T Blake Freeland Out: C Josh Kreutz (R), C Jimmy Morrissey, C Geno VanDeMark (R), G Josh Sills, T Bayron Matos (waived), T Nolan Rucci (R), others

Starters are set (Travis replacing Braden Smith). Ballard prioritizes trench depth; Farmer and Tucker are key backups, with Tenuta/Freeland as tackle insurance (Tenuta had a preseason knee issue).

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Defense (25)

Defensive Line (10)

In: DE Laiatu Latu, DT DeForest Buckner, DT Grover Stewart, DE Arden Key, DE Micheal Clemons, DE Jaylahn Tuimoloau, DE George Gumbs Jr. (R), DE Caden Curry (R), DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT Colby Wooden Out: DE Mitchell Melton (R), DE Durell Nchami, DT Cameron Ball (R), DT Tim Smith, DT Jerry Tillery, others

Heavy investment in the front. Latu is the top edge; Gumbs and Curry impressed as rotational pass-rush options in the preseason opener. Wooden offers interior versatility; Tillery is a tough cut given depth needs and Buckner’s recent injury history.

Linebackers (5)

In: CJ Allen (R), Bryce Boettcher (R), Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake Out: Tahj Chambers (R), Devin Veresuk, West Weeks (R), others

Allen (second-rounder) is projected as a key piece (has dealt with calf/hamstring issues). Rotation has been fluid; Carlies and Ajiake contribute on special teams and in the mix.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr., Justin Walley, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards Out: Jaylon Jones, Rob Carter Jr., Jai’Onte’ McMillan (R), Mekhi Rodgers (R), others

Elite outside duo (Gardner/Ward; Ward dealing with a back issue). Walley is expected in the slot (coming off ACL). Taylor-Britt, Blackmon, and Edwards provide experienced depth for nickel/dime packages.

Safeties (4)

In: Cam Bynum, A.J. Haulcy (R), Hunter Wohler, Jonathan Owens Out: Trey Washington, Juanyeh Thomas, Daniel Scott, Austin Brown (R), others

Bynum is the veteran free safety. Haulcy (third-rounder) is on track to start/contribute heavily alongside Wohler. Owens adds versatility and special teams value.

Specialists (3)

In: K Blake Grupe, P Rigoberto Sanchez, LS Luke Rhodes Out: K Spencer Shrader

Grupe holds the edge on overall accuracy in camp despite Shrader’s long preseason make; Sanchez and Rhodes are locks.

Key themes: Trench depth, keeping Richardson for insurance, addressing WR thinness via Allen, and rewarding preseason standouts (e.g., Gumbs, Curry, Mallory, Bentley) while cutting injured or less productive depth (Giddens, Tillery as borderline). Practice-squad candidates will include several of the “Out” players (Giddens, Gould, Burks, etc.). This will evolve with the remaining preseason and health.