Colts Week 1 roster moves heat up Indy’s backfield. Ulysses Bentley IV and Austin Ajiake were elevated to the 53-man roster, joining a committee that could feature Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens. Tyler Goodson’s elbow injury adds mystery to the RB board ahead of the home opener against the Dolphins. On defense, Buckner anchors the line with Laiatu Latu and Zaire Franklin flanking him as Lou Anarumo refines his unit. Shane Steichen and Daniel Jones headline the Colts’ fresh-coached attack as Indy aims for a fast start and a honored Week 1, 1-0 opening.

Expect Bentley to push for touches if Goodson isn’t ready, while Ajiake’s preseason form gives Indianapolis another capable defender in the mix. The matchup with Miami’s talent pool will test Indy’s depth, but the Colts’ blend of veteran skill and young depth keeps fantasy intrigue high for Week 1.

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.

Week 2 of the Colts’ preseason vs. Green Bay will center on the Anthony Richardson–Daniel Jones duel, but several hidden battles could shape the 53-man roster. Austin Ajiake is pushing for a linebacker role alongside Zaire Franklin, with coach Lou Anarumo pointing to a revolving door at the position and Ajiake’s prior camp work on special teams hinting at a possible path to snaps beyond routine reserve duties.

In the passing game, Will Mallory has emerged as a reliable receiving alternative at tight end, potentially teaming with two-TE sets in pass-heavy looks as Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree anchor blocking duties. On the perimeter, Alex Johnson and Johnathan Edwards highlight the CB competition opposite Charvarius Ward’s likely foil, with Sam Womack and injuries to JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones opening up opportunities. The defense and special-teams units will be watching these battles closely as Indianapolis builds depth this preseason.

Meanwhile, veterans like Jelani Woods and Jelani Woods’ peers show the Colts’ long-term planning: Woods as a dynamic receiving option, Mallory as a complementary pass-catcher, and Ajiake as a special-teams contributor who could carve a niche if linebacking depth settles in his favor. The quarterback-receiver mix remains the marquee story, but the steps of Ajiake, Mallory, and the CB options will influence early-season rotations and depth-chart decisions.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the upcoming season with a fresh look, and linebacker Austin Ajiake is set to play a pivotal role in their defensive lineup. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 223 pounds, Ajiake, 24, is entering his third season in the NFL after showing promise during his initial years. Despite limited playing time last season, his potential was noted during off-season programs, where he impressed coaches and teammates alike.

With the Colts focusing on developing a strong defense, Ajiake's ability to adapt and learn the new schemes could be crucial. His experience at UNLV has equipped him with the skills needed to make an impact in the NFL. As the Colts prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on Ajiake to see if he can solidify his place on the roster and contribute significantly in games ahead.