Projecting Colts' Week 1 depth chart on offense (2024)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass in the second quarter of the NFL preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger

Nothing to really say about this position group here. The only question during roster cuts at quarterback was whether GM Chris Ballard went with two quarterbacks or was going to keep Ehlinger as the third.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws the ball to running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the Colts’ training camp Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson

Again, about as straight forward as a depth chart projection can be. While the backup running back role was one of the bigger positional battles for the Colts this summer, Sermon seemed to secure that spot almost immediately and never relinquished control. Goodson, meanwhile, beat out Evan Hull for the third running back spot because of his more well-rounded skill set at this time, as Ballard put it.

Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) attempts to tackle Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) in the first quarter between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

Michael Pittman, Ashton Dulin

Josh Downs, Anthony Gould

Alec Pierce, AD Mitchell

I’m going to guess that Pierce is named the “starter” over Mitchell. From the sounds of it, he seemed to put together the more steady training camp, which isn’t’ a surprise given his experience. However, as Ballard mentioned on Wednesday, both are going to play key roles this season. In the slot, I expect Gould to be listed as the backup, but as we saw in practices and in preseason games, if Downs isn’t ready to play Week 1, I expect to see Mitchell lining up inside.

(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree

Kylen Granson, Will Mallory

We are again going to see a lot of two tight end sets from the Colts this season with Alie-Cox as the primary blocking option at the position with Granson more of the do-it-all pass-catcher. While heading into training camp there was some uncertainty around what the depth chart at this position could look like, it became clear once the preseason arrived that Alie-Cox and Granson were ahead of the rest.

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) slaps hands pregame, Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

LT: Bernhard Raimann, Matt Goncalves

RT: Braden Smith, Blake Freeland

On the Colts’ unofficial depth charts before the preseason games, Freeland was listed as the backup left tackle and Goncalves the backup right tackle, however, I’m going to flip that around here. Freeland was back at right tackle during the final preseason game and just looked so much more comfortable there. Ballard mentioned the need for him to continue getting left tackle reps, but if the Colts are in a pinch, my guess is they keep him on the right side in a game.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

LG: Quenton Nelson, Danny Pinter

C: Ryan Kelly, Tanor Bortolini

RG: Will Fries, Dalton Tucker

Pinter could fill in at any one of the interior positions if needed. with Bortolini and Tucker both rookies, he provides some experienced depth, which is why I believe the Colts kept him. If Bortolini is still injured or perhaps not ready to step in at center, Pinter could be the backup there as well. In the first two preseason games, Tucker played right guard, so I’m going to guess that is his preferred position and have him as Fries’ backup.