The preseason is officially over. Now it's about finding out which players deserve to be on the Indianapolis Colts' 53-man roster. Unfortunately, running back Vick Ballard, a favorite of his teammates and the coaching staff, doesn't make the cut.
The Colts tried to give Ballard a shot at making the roster, but injuries continue to slow him down. He injured his hamstring for the third time in the past month in Thursday's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Here is a position-by-position look at who stays, who goes when the Colts make their final cuts.
Quarterbacks (2)
Note: This tied the specialist for the easiest roster decision.
Running backs (4)
Daniel “Boom” Herron
Note: Injuries to Herron and Robinson push Varga, who likely would have been cut, onto the active roster in case Herron's shoulder injury causes him to miss some time.
Tight ends (3)
Note: Allen and Fleener both had a career-high eight touchdown receptions last season and they have the potential to be one of the best tight end duos in the league this season.
Wide receiver (5)
T.Y. Hilton
Note: Carter closed the preseason by having five receptions for a team-high 85 yards. Expect the Colts to use a lot of three-receiver sets this season with Hilton, Johnson and either Dorsett or Moncrief.
Offensive linemen (10)
Note: Guard is a concern for the Colts. Herremans didn't have an overly impressive preseason and Thornton is still out with a knee injury.
Defensive linemen (7)
Note: Jones’ ankle injury is a significant blow to the defensive line. It's uncertain who will start in Jones' place at defensive tackle. Parry could be on his way to replacing Chapman as the starting nose tackle.
Linebackers (9)
D'Qwell Jackson
Note: The need for a fourth running back because of the injuries at that position pushes Amarlo Herrera, the sixth-round draft pick out of Georgia, onto the practice squad.
Cornerbacks (6)
D'Joun Smith
Note: Toler’s return status is still up in the air because of his neck injury. Butler would likely start in his place in the Week 1 game against Buffalo.
Safeties (4)
Note: Geathers is a hard-hitting safety whom the Colts will use in different ways to make sure he gets on the field this season.
Special teams (3)
Note: All three players have made an appearance in the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.