Colts' Preseason Loss Highlights Depth Concerns Ahead of Roster Cuts
The Colts lost 25-16 to the Lions in their preseason finale, with starters performing well but reserves struggling. Backup center issues persisted, and cornerback depth beyond the top three remains unproven. The team faces a roster cutdown deadline on Sunday.
The Colts' starting defense showed promise in the first half, with Sauce Gardner recording an interception, but the team's inability to find a reliable backup center has persisted throughout camp. Dalton Tucker's move to the position failed to resolve snapping issues, leaving the front office likely to seek help via waivers after Sunday's cutdown deadline.
Cornerback depth has also thinned unexpectedly, as Mekhi Blackmon's release leaves uncertainty behind the top three starters plus Cam Taylor-Britt. Defensive line reserves Colby Wooden and Adetomiwa Adebawore failed to match their training camp form in game action, while veteran Jerry Tillery received comparable playing time. General manager Chris Ballard will likely be active on the waiver wire to address these gaps.
This story could shape the Colts' early-season fortunes, as roster decisions made before Sunday's deadline will determine whether depth issues become recurring problems. Fans and analysts may watch waiver claims closely, while the team's playoff hopes could hinge on how quickly new