Cameron McGrone finally carved out a real Colts linebacker role after a rookie year sidelined by a knee repair and a dislocated elbow. He toiled on special teams, stayed ready, and is now in the rotation on defense in Indianapolis.

For fantasy managers, the question is whether this momentum sticks. If he maintains the special-teams footing while earning more defensive snaps, he could offer late-round IDP upside in deeper formats.

Colts' Week 1 win over the Dolphins showcased a small group of players who graded out exceptionally well in PFF's metrics, led by Laiatu Latu and Tyler Warren. Latu posted a dominant 91.5, Warren followed at 90.4, with Cam Bynum and Ashton Dulin also registering top marks. Xavien Howard squeezed into the top five at 80.0, highlighting a game where Indianapolis disrupted Tua Tagovailoa and leaned on young playmakers. The flip side exposed coverage lapses from linebackers Cameron McGrone and Zaire Franklin, plus limited run-blocks from Dalton Tucker, underscoring both promise and growing pains.

The grading snapshot informs fantasy angles: Latu’s pass rush and Warren’s versatility scream breakout potential, while Dulin’s involvement signals a floor for PPR and red-zone looks. Tagovailoa’s night under pressure and the Colts’ defensive backs’ balance set up early-season talking points for Week 2 lineups and DFS stacks around Indy.

Colts sign Anthony Walker Jr. to their practice squad, reuniting with a veteran LB who contributed heavily during his time in Indianapolis. Walker joins a depth chart anchored by Zaire Franklin, with Bachie expected to vie for snaps beside him. The move follows Colt’s prior waiver claims and signals Ballard’s continued emphasis on linebacker experience behind a relatively green core.

Walker’s latest stint includes stints with Cleveland, Miami, and Tampa Bay, capped by 68 tackles and an interception last season. His addition adds seasoned depth as Indianapolis cultivates a rotation behind Franklin, while younger veterans Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone provide additional upside and cover behind Muma, Olubi, and Bachie as the season unfolds.

Colts preseason finale vs. Bengals offered crisp roster signals and a handful of standout performers. Will Mallory solidified TE4 duties ahead of Jelani Woods, while Luke Tenuta grabbed the final tackle spot at right tackle. Adetomiwa Adebawore dominated as the fourth DT, with Cam McGrone and Austin Ajiake earlier earning starting linebacker reps alongside Joe Bachie. Laquon Treadwell exploded for 116 yards on six catches, and Isaiah Land flashed pass-rush punch. Riley Leonard was efficient through the air, and the unit overall posted a clean, low-penalty game.

Defensively, run-stopping remains a work in progress when Buckner or Grover Stewart aren’t on the field, a reminder that the Colts will lean on a versatile, blitz-happy style under Anarumo. The depth pieces at cornerback and wide receiver are still sorting out roster spots as the Colts weigh seven-defensive-back looks or heavy coverage schemes. Fantasy angles tilt toward Mallory, Treadwell, Land, and the DL/LB depth, with a keen eye on how the 53-man decisions shake out for Week 1.