Colts finalize a 17-man practice squad after cuts, anchored by returning depth players and two notable taxi-squad additions. The new taxi pair are Ben Nikkel from Washington and Tyler Scott from Chicago, while the rest return in depth roles at LB, RB, OL, CB, TE, DE, DT, S and WR.

Ajiake, Bentley IV, Herbert, Johnson, Lammons, Mang, McKeon, Nikkel, and Scott headline the roster, with additional depth pieces shaping Indy’s Week 1 plans as injuries and matchups unfold.

Colts trim to 53 ahead of the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline, moving from 91 players while designating Jaylon Carlies to return from IR. They released and waived a wide mix of veterans and depth pieces, then set up for free-agent pickups and a 16-man practice squad built largely from their own waived players. Fantasy players should watch for shifts at tight end, linebacker, and wide receiver as the Colts retool their upside bets.

Key Young Colts targets to monitor include Jelani Woods stepping into a larger tight-end role behind Hayden Hurst if the offense leans heavier on two-TE sets, and lurking depth options like Ajou Ajou, Austin Ajiake, and Ulysses Bentley IV on the RB/WR mix. These adjustments will influence Week 1 allocations and sneaky streamer opportunities.

TreVeyon Henderson lands in New England with a real shot to seize a workhorse role behind a retooled offense. His speed (4.43) and pass-blocking profile offer an on-field path to heavy early-down work, even as the backfield competition evolves under new coaching. D'Andre Swift projects to steady volume in Chicago, where Ben Johnson’s Detroit-era history hints at efficient volume even if Chicago adds more mouths to feed. Pollard’s ceiling remains high if he fends off Tyjae Spears and a more balanced Titans attack, while Brian Robinson Jr. should anchor Washington’s backfield ahead of a healthier offense. Tank Bigsby, Tank Bigsby’s surge in Jacksonville pits him against Etienne for early-down duties, with Bigsby flashing downhill efficiency to challenge for a bigger slice of the carry pie. Ashton Jeanty’s draft landing in Las Vegas signals an immediate high-leverage role, and Ashton could become a staple in fantasy lineups quickly if the Raiders’ offense hits its stride. In short, five sneaky workhorses—Henderson, Swift, Pollard, Robinson Jr., Bigsby—plus late-rounds like Jeanty and Monangai, carve a realistic path to 200–250 carry seasons in 2025, with uphill odds and big upside depending on health and coaching. The 2024 season’s multi-backbird trend shows volume still matters, and a handful of sleepers can vault into bell-cow territory with the right circumstances.

The Indianapolis Colts have introduced running back Khalil Herbert, who recently signed a one-year contract worth $1.17 million with the team. This marks an exciting chapter for Herbert, who expressed his versatility saying, 'I feel like I can do everything,' highlighting his skills in various offensive roles including short yardage situations and catching passes out of the backfield.

Herbert, previously with the Chicago Bears, aims to bolster the Colts' running game. With Jonathan Taylor's future uncertain, the Colts are hoping Herbert can shore up the ground attack. His ability to perform a range of tasks makes him a valuable addition, indicating he could thrive in a multifaceted offensive scheme.