Colts: Predicting 53-Man Roster After Mandatory Minicamp

The Indianapolis Colts enter a make-or-break 2026 season with immense pressure to win.

They set out to maintain their high level of play on offense, while getting younger and more explosive on defense.

After offseason workouts, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp, which players have left enough of an impression to be considered for the 53-man regular-season roster, and who might find themselves on the outside?

Here is an early 53-man roster prediction based on offseason observations:

Cuts: Easton Stick

With the Colts confident in Jones' return, they carry just him and Leonard on the active roster, while Stick provides insurance on the practice squad. Anthony Richardson Sr.'s omission is with the remaining possibility that he's traded. If he remains healthy and performs reasonably well in training camp and the preseason, then it increases his likelihood of being dealt. Especially considering his price drops after early in camp when he's owed a $4.2 million roster bonus.

Cuts: Ulysses Bentley IV, Lincoln Pare, Anderson Castle

If the combination of Giddens and McGowan proves capable of playing special teams and providing pass protection, the Colts won't have to go find a free agent to do it. Both players ran well in OTAs and minicamp, and the Colts know they have to get the young guys ready to perform behind Taylor.

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Cuts: Anthony Gould, Coleman Owen, Eli Pancol, E.J. Horton Jr., Shmir Hagans, Raylen Sharpe

The most notable cut here is Anthony Gould, who's returned kicks for the last two years but has played just 73 offensive snaps. It comes down to Gould or Burks here, and with a much higher upside on offense, while also contributing in the return game, Burks wins out.

Cuts: Sean McKeon, Carson Towt

This group remains the same as last year; the only question is whether Mallory makes the cut. However, he's the best pass-catcher of the group outside of Warren, so he remains on the roster for insurance.

Cuts: Bayron Matos, Nolan Rucci, Josh Sills, Jimmy Morrissey, Geno VanDeMark, Josh Kreutz

Farmer's addition allows the Colts to kick Tucker further inside to backup center, where they needed help with Danny Pinter's departure. Without signing another veteran to compete at swing tackle, Tenuta and Freeland show enough in the summer to be the backups, while Matos and Rucci continue to develop on the practice squad.

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Cuts: Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, Durell Nchami, Tim Smith, Mitchell Melton

With the additions the Colts made to the defensive line in the draft and free agency, it's difficult to cut it much further than this. Without having a bona fide starter opposite Latu, the Colts may be quite reliant on a rotation, featuring Key and Tuimoloau, while Clemons, Gumbs, and Curry battle to be available on gamedays. Backup one-tech is an interesting tussle because the Colts do have two veterans in Derrick Nnadi and Tillery, but it probably benefits them more if one of the younger players, such as Ball or Tim Smith, wins the role.

Cuts: Austin Ajiake, Devin Veresuk, Tahj Chambers

What a makeover this group has undergone this offseason. In this scenario, Carlies is the only holdover from last year's group (except for Ajiake on the practice squad). While Allen holds down the MIKE role, eyes will be on the WILL spot and whether the veteran Davis-Gaither or the rookie Boettcher takes it. While the Colts may want Davis-Gaither next to another rookie in Allen, ultimately, the best players will be on the field, which could mean it's two rookies in Allen and Boettcher.

Cuts: Cam Taylor-Britt, Jaylon Jones, Cameron Mitchell, Rob Carter Jr., Jai'Onte' McMillan

In all likelihood, this group will carry more than five active players, but it may take them a little bit into the season to get there. Health is a huge "if" for the corner room, as it has continuously evolved over the last year due to injuries. Veterans Jaylon Jones and Cam Taylor-Britt are a pair of tough cuts, but Taylor-Britt has yet to practice as he recovers from a foot injury last year, and Jones isn't the best fit in Lou Anarumo's defense. Edwards has been impressive during OTAs and minicamp.

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Cuts: Daniel Scott, Trey Washington, Austin Brown, Ben Nikkel

Safety remains a deep group after the retirement of Reuben Lowery III. With Haulcy winning the starting spot opposite Bynum in this case, Wohler can be used situationally as a third safety and dime linebacker. Owens has experience all over the secondary, including in the slot. Plus, he will likely be a key special-teamer.

Cuts: Spencer Shrader

The biggest note here is Grupe beating Shrader for the kicking role. This should be a fun battle to watch later this summer, but Shrader is coming off a serious knee injury, and in the only kicking the media has seen so far this year, Grupe is 5-of-5 while Shrader is 3-of-5.