Week 1 of the 2026 regular season is here, and on theIndianapolis Colts' initial 53-man roster are eight rookies.
While roles can change throughout the course of the season, let's project how each player could be utilized in the early going.
LB CJ Allen
It remains to be seen whether or not Allen will technically be a starter, but even if he is not, he will likely see the field. The Colts could utilize a rotation at linebacker, at least early on in the season, and in that scenario, Allen seeing the field during early downs or more obvious running situations may make the most sense.
S AJ Haulcy
Haulcy could be a Day 1 starter, filling the strong safety role in the secondary. However, his Week 1 status remains up in the air at this time as he continues to work through an
ankle injury. The Colts could also turn to Hunter Wohler to fill that role.
G Jalen Farmer
Farmer will be the Colts' first option off the bench at the guard position.
LB Bryce Boettcher
There could be certain packages that Lou Anarumo tries to get Boettcher on the field, but my early guess is that the bulk of his snaps come on special teams.
DE George Gumbs, Caden Curry
Laiatu Latu and Arden Key will start, with Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Micheal Clemons being the next two defenders up in that rotation. So in the early going, Gumbs and Curry's roles on defense could be quite small. That said, with unknowns around what kind of pass-rush consistency Tuimoloau and Clemons can generate, the opportunity for Gumbs and/or Curry to earn larger roles as the season progresses does seem to exist. Both will likely contribute on special teams.
RB Seth McGowan
It looks like McGowan will be Jonathan Taylor's backup. Taylor will, of course, lead the way and see most of the snaps, but McGowan will spell him when needed and could see snaps on third downs.
WR Deion Burks
Burks can be a secondary option out of the slot, and he has the ability to line up outside. That said, I would anticipate his role on offense being small, with Burks able to contribute in the return game.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Projecting early roles for Colts 8 rookies on roster
