Colts Initial Roster Cuts Already Raise One Big Question

As the Colts cut down their roster, notable releases and strategic trades mark a new chapter in their bid for success.

The Colts trimmed their roster to the initial 53 on Sunday, and the list came with a few notable names heading out the door.

Indianapolis placed three players on injured reserve: tight end Will Mallory, wide receiver D.J. Montgomery, and wide receiver Coleman Owen.

The team also moved on from a long group of players across the roster, including defensive tackle Cameron Ball, running back Ulysses Bentley IV, safety Austin Brown, cornerback Rob Carter Jr., running back Anderson Castle, tackle Blake Freeland, tight end JJ Galbreath, wide receiver Anthony Gould, kicker Blake Grupe, wide receiver Sahmir Hagans, cornerback Kenneth Harris, center Josh Kreutz, tackle Roy Mbaeteka, defensive end Mitchell Melton, tight end Tyler Moore, center Jimmy Morrissey, defensive end Durrell Nchami, wide receiver Ben Nikkel, wide receiver Eli Pancol, cornerback Mekhi Rodgers, tackle Nolan Rucci, safety Daniel Scott, wide receiver Raylen Sharpe, center Geno VanDeMark, linebacker Devin Veresuk, safety Trey Washington, tackle Trey Wedig, linebacker West Weeks, defensive tackle Colby Wooden, tight end Pharaoh Brown, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, guard Josh Sills, quarterback Easton Stick, safety Juanyeh Thomas, and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Wooden, 25, came to Indianapolis after being a fourth-round pick by the Packers in the 2023 draft out of Auburn. He signed a four-year, $4,607,928 rookie deal through 2026 before being traded to the Colts this offseason for LB Zaire Franklin.

After the deal, Wooden agreed to a two-year, $18 million restructured contract and was set to earn a base salary of $1,145,000 in 2026.

Last season, Wooden played in all 17 games for Green Bay and finished with 50 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and one pass defended.

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