The Indianapolis Colts open the 2022 NFL regular season at the Houston Texans on Sept. 11 at NRG Stadium.
Indianapolis will be looking to end a dubious streak of eight consecutive season-opening losses. Is this the team that can finally reverse the trend?
The Colts believe this group has what it takes to do that and more. They buttressed their defense with acquisitions like Stephon Gilmore and Yannick Ngakoue, two big-time playmakers at their respective positions. Indianapolis also traded for quarterback Matt Ryan in another move that has completely reshaped their depth chart at the most important position.
But there remain questions about depth and whether the Colts are a top-heavy team. The Colts will need to find answers on the offensive line, tight end and defensive line to contend in a crowded AFC.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, Sam Ehlinger
The Colts see Ryan as a major upgrade from Carson Wentz, given Ryan's accuracy and pre-snap reads. Foles give them an ideal backup who can play with minimal practice time. Ehlinger had a strong preseason and has improved greatly, and the Colts don't seem ready to expose him to waivers (even if they don't yet believe he's ready to play in the regular season).
RUNNING BACK (4): Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, Phillip Lindsay, Deon Jackson
Taylor is primed for another big season after an impressive camp, while Hines is expected to factor more prominently in the passing game. Lindsay's strong camp was a mild surprise, but the two-time 1,000-yard rusher is clearly the third-best back on the roster.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, Ashton Dulin, Mike Strachan, Dezmon Patmon
There's a ton of youth here, but also ample talent. This group showed itself capable during training camp, but there is a lack of proven depth. Keke Coutee showed flashes during camp and could be seen as a more experienced option over Patmon for the sixth roster spot.
TIGHT END (3): Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods
The retirement of Jack Doyle leaves a void here, a reality that is compounded by the loss of impressive rookie Drew Ogletree to a torn ACL in training camp. But there's some talent, even if there's also a significant lack of depth. Look for a fourth tight end to come from the waiver wire.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Matt Pryor, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, Braden Smith, Bernhard Raimann, Will Fries, Wesley French, Dennis Kelly
The quality depth the Colts enjoyed here last season has eroded some, and that leaves questions. Beyond that, Pryor has locked up the left tackle spot for now, but can Raimann continue to grow as a rookie and challenge him? Pinter's inconsistency at guard is a possible concern.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Yannick Ngakoue, Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Eric Johnson, Ifeadi Odenigbo, RJ McIntosh
The starting group of Paye, Buckner, Stewart and Ngakoue has elite potential. As for the backups, the edge depth, like Lewis and Odenigbo, looks solid, but the interior depth is questionable. The prediction here is that 2019 second-round choice Ben Banogu misses the cut.
LINEBACKER (7): Shaquille Leonard, Bobby Okereke, Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, JoJo Domann, Sterling Weatherford, Brandon King
Leonard might miss the start of the season, but the Colts seem inclined to activate him from the physically unable to perform list nonetheless, and possibly accelerate his return to the lineup. The depth here looks solid, including a special-teams ace like King.
CORNERBACK (5): Stephon Gilmore, Kenny Moore II, Brandon Facyson, Isaiah Rodgers, Anthony Chesley
Gilmore is a huge addition for the Colts and showed his value during camp. The only debate is who wins the No. 3 job behind Gilmore and Moore. The toughest cut was Tony Brown, who is a strong candidate for the practice squad.
SAFETY (4): Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Rodney McLeod, Rodney Thomas II
Cross has been a standout during camp and looks bound for the starting lineup as a rookie. McLeod provides quality depth and Thomas is showing playmaking potential. The Colts have a roster exemption for international player Marcel Dabo, who will not count against the 53-man limit.
SPECIALISTS (3): Matt Haack (punter), Rodrigo Blankenship (kicker), Luke Rhodes (long-snapper)
Punter Rigoberto Sanchez's Achilles injury was an unexpected blow that resulted in Haack's signing last week. The kicking competition between Blankenship and Jake Verity turned out to be a dud, with Blankenship winning it decisively.