Takeaways from Colts final unofficial preseason depth chart

The Indianapolis Colts unveiled their final unofficial depth chart ahead of the team’s preseason finale on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Saturday afternoon (1 PM EST).

Here were a few of the takeaways:

OFFENSE

• The “OR” between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson at QB1 has officially been removed, after the former was officially (and somewhat surprisingly) named the starter on Tuesday by head coach Shane Steichen.
• With backup swing-tackle Blake Freeland being placed on injured reserve, after gruesomely fracturing his leg this weekend, Marshall Foerner is now listed as the 2nd-team backup left tackle behind entrenched starter Bernhard Raimann.
• At tight end, former 2022 3rd round pick Jelani Woods still remains behind Will Mallory as the 5th tight end in what remains a very crowded positional room.
• At running back, Tyler Woodson is still listed ahead of rookie DJ Giddens behind star workhorse Jonathan Taylor, although each will play a different role for the Colts backfield stylistically. Veteran Khalil Herbert is still ahead of undrafted rookie Ulysses Bentley IV as the team’s 4th running back.

DEFENSE

• Rookie 2nd round pick JT Tuimoloau is still trailing veteran Tyquan Lewis for the backup left defensive end role behind starter Kwity Paye. Meanwhile, 2024 first round pick Laiatu Latu is still listed as the starter at right defensive end ahead of run-stopping veteran edge Samson Ebukam.
• Eric Johnson II is listed as the backup nose tackle behind veteran run stuffer Grover Stewart.
• Cameron McGrone is still the starting Will linebacker over 2nd-year linebacker (and initial favorite) Jaylon Carlies.
• Recently signed former All-Pro veteran cornerback Xavien Howard is currently listed as the starting outside CB2 opposite fellow All-Pro veteran Charvarius Ward. 3rd-year cornerback Jaylon Jones, returning from a hamstring injury, is listed as the top backup cornerback behind Howard. Brents is behind Ward respectively.