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Indianapolis Colts final 53-man roster projection: Depth concerns for a team with high aspirations

Linebacker Shaquille Leonard may miss the first week of the season as he recovers from his back injury. Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire

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