Updated 53-Man Roster Projections for Indianapolis Colts Post-Preseason Week 3

The Indianapolis Colts finished their final "meaningful" preseason game this past weekend with a victory, defeating the St. Louis Rams 24-14 to snap a seven-game preseason losing streak.

After getting thoroughly outplayed by the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles in the first two preseason games, the Colts second and third strings finally held their weight on Saturday. It's an interesting turn of events, given the team's need to cut down to 75 players by the end of Tuesday, September 1.

The Colts will be making plenty of roster decisions in the next week, cutting down again to 53 players come Saturday, September 5. Many of those decisions will be made because of how players performed in Weeks 3 and 4 of the preseason.

Of course, the majority of the roster has been decided for weeks. It's those final few spots that have been up for grabs. With that in mind, let's take a look at the 53 players we project will make it through the next two rounds of roster trimming.

Quarterback

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Starter: Andrew Luck

Backup: Matt Hasselbeck

There was never any doubt about who was making the team at the organization's most critical position.

Andrew Luck has looked sharp over most of the preseason. Against the Rams, the consistent pressure from the defensive front seven forced a few of his passes to come out quicker than he would have liked, but he still managed to average 7.7 yards per attempt and throw for over 160 yards and a touchdown in one half against one of the better defenses in the league.

Luck also had a few highlight-worthy throws, including a gorgeous 30-yard pass to T.Y. Hilton in the right side of the end zone that the receiver just barely failed to bring in.

Matt Hasselbeck stepped back up against the Rams after two horrific preseason performances. He threw for just 62 yards on 14 attempts, but he directed the offense and gave his skill players a chance, which is a big step up from the previous two games. Still, if anything happens to Luck, the Colts are in bad shape.

Running Back

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Starter: Frank Gore

Backup: Dan Herron

Depth: Josh Robinson, Tyler Varga

The starting running back has been long decided for Indianapolis as well, but the lineup behind him has been an interesting story arc to follow this season.

The Colts have limited Frank Gore throughout the preseason, keeping his legs fresh for the regular season, and hopefully a postseason run. The veteran didn't play at all against the Rams and has carried the ball just twice so far this preseason. Still, he's the No. 1 back without any real competition for the role.

After the Colts drafted Josh Robinson in the sixth round of the NFL draft, there was some speculation that he'd push Dan Herron for the backup role. Through the offseason and training camp, however, Herron was quite evidently safe in that role. After a few impressive preseason performances, however, the clamoring for Robinson to get first-team looks grew louder.

Saturday's win over the Rams was the reminder that Herron still deserves that backup role, while Robinson has some rookie pains to work through. Herron ran nine times for just 25 yards, but looked like the best back on the field by a long shot. His numbers were also hampered by three consecutive runs when the Colts were backed up on their own goal line, runs that were stonewalled by star defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Robinson, meanwhile, ran for just four yards on five carries and fumbled a handoff. He also left the game with a concussion in the second half. He'll still make the team, and his potential is undeniable, but he won't be taking over one of the top two spots anytime soon.

However, the game was an opportunity for undrafted rookie back Tyler Varga, who showcased a versatility and elusiveness that pushed him ahead of Zurlon Tipton in my projections. Varga was one of just two Colts offensive players to receive a grade greater than positive-1.0 from Pro Football Focus.

Notably missing here: Vick Ballard. The former fifth-round pick is a fan and team favorite, but unfortunately it seems like his injuries are going to be too much. Ballard missed the game after tweaking a hamstring in practice late this week. He has already missed much of training camp and the initial preseason game with minor injuries, and he's running out of time to earn his spot.

This was always the issue for Ballard. While he may not suffer a third consecutive season-ending injury, his history with lower-body injuries may leave him more susceptible to these minor hindrances that make it impossible for him to stay on the field.

Wide Receiver

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Starters: T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson

Rotational: Phillip Dorsett, Donte Moncrief

Depth: Griff Whalen, Duron Carter

The Colts knew what they were getting from their top two receivers this season, and Saturday proved just how critical T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson will be for Indianapolis this year. Hilton was Luck's go-to target all day, and while the two failed to connect on a few passes they would normally complete, the tandem should be all set for the regular season.

Andre Johnson caught the team's lone touchdown pass of the day, a 32-yard reception up the middle as the Colts caught the Rams rotating at the wrong time. Luck and Johnson still are working on their chemistry, but Johnson has three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown this preseason.

With Dorsett sitting out with a knee contusion, Donte Moncrief took the opportunity to make a few plays of his own Saturday, catching two passes for 25 yards and showing off the depth the Colts have at the position. Dorsett has been impressive in his preseason action, but Moncrief is still the No. 3 receiver for now.

The rest of the depth chart is the most interesting to me. Duron Carter has been a favorite to make the roster throughout the offseason, but has largely disappeared in live-game action. He did catch three passes for 25 yards Saturday, but he continues to come up short in contested-catch situations. His spot is not guaranteed, especially given Griff Whalen's history with Andrew Luck and ability to play special teams.

If the Colts decide to keep just five receivers, who is to say Whalen doesn't get that final spot?

Tight End

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Starters: Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener

Depth: Jack Doyle

The Colts should enter 2015 with the same tight ends that have graced the roster for the last two seasons.

While Coby Fleener has missed most of the preseason with an ankle injury, he and Dwayne Allen will be the key contributors for Indianapolis at the position. Allen has already been a key possession target for Luck this preseason, compiling six targets in the last two games.

Jack Doyle has received increased playing time with Fleener out for two games, and he's showed once again how much the Colts value his versatility. Doyle can be a blocker on the end of the line or as a fullback, and he can be a go-to target in the flats in the passing game as well. He's not going to make big plays, but he has good, dependable hands.

The rest of the tight ends on the roster have failed to make an impact in the preseason and have likely lost their chance at a roster spot. Sean McGrath and Erik Swoope both impressed at one time or another in practices, but neither have put it together on the field.

Offensive Line

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Starters: Anthony Castonzo, Lance Louis, Khaled Holmes, Todd Herremans, Jack Mewhort

Depth: Joe Reitz, Hugh Thornton, Jonotthan Harrison, Denzelle Good, David Arkin

The Colts have more depth on the roster than they've had in years, but the starting lineup is still lacking, especially if Jack Mewhort's continues to struggle while transitioning to tackle.

Mewhort has been effective as a run-blocker, but his slow feet have been an issue in pass protection against some of the quicker, more powerful edge-rushers. Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee got the best of him several times last week.

The Colts have trotted Joe Reitz out with the first team several times this preseason, but the utility lineman has had his share of struggles as well. Reitz is a quality guard, but he gets exposed too often at tackle to leave him there full-time.

Fortunately for Indianapolis, seventh-round tackle Denzelle Good has flashed serious talent this preseason. The rookie isn't in a position to enter the starting lineup anytime soon, but there is certainly potential for the future there, leaving room for the Colts to move Mewhort back inside down the road.

The interior line is a bit more muddled. All three of the starting interior linemen have had stretches of horrific play this preseason, but their backups haven't done enough to merit a longer look with the starting unit.

Defensive Line

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Starters: Arthur Jones, Josh Chapman, Kendall Langford

Depth: Henry Anderson, David Parry, Montori Hughes, Zach Kerr

Like the offensive line, the Colts return more depth to the defensive line than they've possessed in years.

A big part of that is the rookie tandem of Henry Anderson and David Parry, the Stanford teammates that have quickly made an impact this preseason. Both Parry and Anderson starred in the first preseason game, and Anderson has continued his strong run as the games have continued.

Both players have their flaws, with Anderson ending up on the ground too often and Parry lacking bulk to stand up to double-teams, but the two provide a disruption factor that the line has been lacking.

Kendall Langford and Josh Chapman both played well enough Saturday to remind people that the starting lineup is structured the way it is for a reason. But while the two rookies seem to make more sense in passing downs, the two current starters showed their run-stuffing potential against the Rams.

But the real concern lies with the third starter, Arthur Jones. He left the Rams game with an ankle sprain, and the severity is not yet known. Jones was supposed to be a difference-maker for Indianapolis this season after a high ankle sprain hampered his 2014 campaign.

The Colts signed Jones to a five-year, $33 million contract last season, and he hasn't yet played up to that contract.

Linebacker

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Starters: Erik Walden, Trent Cole, Jerrell Freeman, D'Qwell Jackson

Depth: Jonathan Newsome, Robert Mathis, Nate Irving, Bjoern Werner, Junior Sylvestre

The Colts' most impressive linebackers of the preseason have been Erik Walden and Trent Cole, which doesn't surprise anybody with an in-depth knowledge of the team's roster.

The lack of high-quality linebackers has haunted the Colts for years, and 2015 looks to be an interesting year for the future of the position in Indianapolis.

If Robert Mathis returns completely healthy, he and Cole could make for a threatening veteran rotation at the rush linebacker position. But if the preseason is any indication, the team will have little else behind the vets, as Jonathan Newsome and Bjoern Werner have disappointed. Werner is at least a decent run-stopper, but Newsome has not yet shown the flashes of pass-rushing potential we saw last year.

On the inside, the Colts are desperately hoping that former Denver Bronco Nate Irving can return healthy. Jerrell Freeman and D'Qwell Jackson are fine, and Freeman has been flying around the field this preseason, but the upside simply isn't there.

It also doesn't help that sixth-round pick Amarlo Herrera and second-year player Henoc Muamba have been quiet, opening the door for undrafted free agent Junior Sylvestre to potentially sneak onto the roster.

Cornerback

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Starters: Vontae Davis, Greg Toler, Darius Butler

Depth: D'Joun Smith, Jalil Brown

The Colts are returning the same group of starters for the third consecutive season, a group that has been very productive for the squad. The weakest link is Toler, who allows far too many completions. Toler has ball skills when he can stay close to his assignment, but there are too many plays where he fails to do so.

At the same time, Toler's current neck injury is a bit of a concern. He is a weak spot, but the former Arizona Cardinal still fits the Colts scheme well as a physical press-man corner.

We haven't seen enough from D'Joun Smith, a third-round pick this year, to count on him in a starting role. It's difficult to assess the preseason for defensive backs without All-22 film, but Smith has allowed several receptions and failed to show any playmaking skills.

Jalil Brown, on the other hand, has been impressive in the time he's seen, both in preseason and in training camp, per Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. If Toler really is out for any length of time, Brown is a dark horse to see the field in nickel sets.

Safety

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Starters: Mike Adams, Dwight Lowery

Depth: Clayton Geathers, Colt Anderson

The safety tandem of Mike Adams and Dwight Lowery shouldn't be one that fans get excited about, but based on some of the players the Colts have trotted out in recent years (LaRon Landry, Tom Zbikowski, Joe Lefeged, Delano Howell, etc.), it's probably the "safest" pairing the team has had since Bob Sanders was healthy.

Adams did allow a deep touchdown to Chris Givens on Saturday, but he's a dependable safety, if limited physically. Lowery should fill into the strong safety role rather seamlessly.

The real optimism here lies with Geathers, who has already earned playing time as a linebacker in dime sets. Geathers hasn't been overly impressive in the preseason, but he had a strong offseason and training camp and could be a long-term fixture if his development goes well.

The fourth spot is largely a special teams spot, as none of the depth safeties have flashed on the defensive side of the ball. With former special teams captain Sergio Brown leaving in free agency this offseason, the Colts could use a special teams ace like Colt Anderson on the roster.

Special Teams

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Punter: Pat McAfee

Kicker: Adam Vinatieri

Long Snapper: Matt Overton

The Colts had one of the best special teams units in the league last season, in large part due to career years by both Pat McAfee and Adam Vinatieri.

The duo have looked just as sharp this preseason, although McAfee's punts have often been returned for big yardage due to poor coverage by the gunners. The Colts will need to get the coverage teams figured out by Week 1, although McAfee won't see the field often if the offense is as good as advertised.

Vinatieri hit a 55-yard field goal Saturday, a reminder that the 42-year-old still has a pretty good leg.