With two joint practices and a preseason game upcoming, the next few days for the Indianapolis Colts will be critical in the evaluation process. These game-like settings are likely to carry more weight in the overall evaluation of each player.
So for these seven roster hopefuls, if they hope to continue making a push towards the 53-man, performing well will be a must. Otherwise, there may not be much time left to make up any lost ground.
RB Ulysses Bentley
With DJ Giddens sidelined, Bentley has had more opportunities come his way, and he’s capitalized, potentially positioning himself to make a real roster push as the third running back. Bentley brings a pass-catching presence to the backfield, something this Colts’ offense could benefit from.
The addition of Keenan Allen is going to take a roster spot away from someone, and it may come down to Treadwell and Westbrook-Ikhine competing for one spot. Treadwell has often been ahead of Westbrook-Ikhine in terms of reps and he does offer special teams experience. Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed more playmaking potential this summer.
If the Colts keep five defensive tackles, then these two are likely competing for that final spot. That said, neither impressed in the preseason opener, potentially resulting in the Colts rostering just four players at this position.
Jones appears to be the seventh cornerback on the depth chart at the moment. Based on playing time in the preseason game and in practices, he is behind Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, and Johnathan Edwards on the depth chart. It’s not common for teams to keep seven cornerbacks.
Shrader had a strong showing in the preseason game, but overall in the kicking competition, Blake Grupe seems to hold the advantage.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 7 Colts players on roster bubble entering joint practices with Falcons
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