The Indianapolis Colts are on the verge of their final exhibition game before the regular season kicks off, with several crucial roster decisions still pending. The team's coaching staff is diligently assessing player performances to solidify the 53-man roster, necessitating tough choices across multiple positions. Key areas of contention include the backup quarterback position, the depth chart at running back and wide receiver, and an unexpectedly tight race for the starting kicker role. These evaluations are critical as the Colts aim to assemble the most competitive squad possible for the upcoming season, with the final preseason outing serving as a decisive audition for many.
The highly anticipated final preseason game for the Indianapolis Colts is set to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday, featuring a showdown against the Detroit Lions. Head Coach Shane Steichen confirmed that the majority of the Colts' starting lineup will see limited action, playing approximately 8 to 12 snaps. However, quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor are notable exceptions and will not be participating. This decision underscores the coaching staff's focus on evaluating players vying for roster spots, particularly given the looming deadline for mandatory roster reductions to 53 players by Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. ET.
One of the most closely watched competitions is for the backup quarterback position, where Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard are battling it out. Richardson is slated to start the game, playing the first quarter, followed by Leonard in the second. Consistency has been a challenge for both quarterbacks throughout the summer, making this final preseason performance vital. The Colts must weigh Richardson's professional experience and athleticism against Leonard's tendency for safer plays, determining which player offers the best chance of success if called upon. Neither has definitively seized the role yet.
The competition extends to the running back position, specifically for the third-string spot, contested by Ulysses Bentley IV and DJ Giddens. Giddens began the offseason as the presumptive backup, but impressive performances from rookie Seth McGowan and Bentley have reshaped the landscape. Bentley, in particular, has showcased elusiveness, explosive playmaking ability, and reliable pass-catching skills. Giddens' progress was hampered by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several practices, allowing Bentley and McGowan to gain ground. Bentley's potential contributions to special teams further strengthen his case for a roster spot.
The wide receiver group also faces tough decisions for the fifth and sixth roster spots. With Keenan Allen's addition, the top four receivers—Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Allen, and Ashton Dulin—are secure. The team is likely to retain one more large outside receiver, such as Laquon Treadwell or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and a smaller receiver primarily for special teams duties, with Anthony Gould, Deion Burks, and Coleman Owen in contention. Treadwell has been a consistent presence with the first-team offense during Pierce's recovery from ankle surgery and offers valuable special teams experience. Burks has garnered praise for his significant improvement throughout the offseason, while Owen remains a solid option who could potentially be moved to the practice squad.
Perhaps the most unexpected battle is at kicker, featuring Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe. Both kickers possess the talent to be NFL starters, making this competition unusually intense. Grupe had a strong spring and summer, maintaining a significantly higher field goal percentage than Shrader, who was recovering from a knee injury sustained in 2025. However, Shrader's flawless 4-for-4 record in the preseason, including a dramatic 61-yard game-tying field goal against the New England Patriots, has dramatically shifted momentum. In contrast, Grupe has missed both of his preseason attempts from similar distances. This turn of events has undoubtedly complicated the decision for the coaching staff, as game-time performance often carries more weight.
As the Colts approach their final preseason game, the stakes are exceptionally high for numerous players striving to secure a place on the team's active roster. The outcomes of these competitive battles, particularly at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and kicker, will be instrumental in shaping the Colts' identity and prospects for the upcoming NFL season. The coaching staff faces the challenging task of making these pivotal determinations, ensuring the team is well-prepared and strategically balanced.
