Analyzing the Indianapolis Colts’ Practice Squad

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris (37) defends as Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Lenz (11) makes a catch during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

After yesterday’s roster cuts, the Colts had a ton of decisions to make regarding the team’s practice squad.

On Sunday afternoon, the Colts decided upon the final 10 men that they would keep to practice with the team:

Quarterback Jeff Mathews, wide receivers Ryan Lankford and Josh Lenz, tight end Erik Swoope, guard Josh Walker, tackle Tyler Hoover, defensive tackle Nnamdi Obukwelu, inside linebacker Andrew Jackson, cornerback Sheldon Price and safety Dewey McDonald.

A few notes on the new practice squad:

• Chandler Harnish wasn’t resigned to the practice squad in his final year of eligibility. This could be attributed to his failure to do much in the preseason. He couldn’t get it going when his job was on the line and the Colts decided that it was time to move on. When quarterback Jeff Mathews was cut from the Falcons’ roster, the Colts took notice of his good performance in the preseason. He’ll be the new favorite to lock up the backup quarterback job once Matt Hasselbeck moves on from Indianapolis.
• Keeping two receivers is certainly part of the Colts taking advantage of the NFL’s latest expansion of the practice squad from eight to 10 players. Lenz outperformed Lankford for most of the preseason, but the Colts are enjoying the ability to retain both young receivers.
• Some of these were predictable; Swoope, Jackson, Price and McDonald were all preseason players who all played decently but need some maturing on the practice squad. All four could be back next preseason and immediately be players vying for roster spots. Fans will love seeing Swoope staying with the team; the former-basketball player that turned tight end was fairly decent and athletic in his first organized football sessions. He’s a guy to watch if there are any injuries throughout the year to Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener or Jack Doyle.
• Jackson is the lone draft pick from 2014 to not make it on to the team. He was a stretch in the sixth round, but Grigson and the coaches aren’t ready to give up on the kid yet. He is, unfortunately, part of a very deep linebacking core and couldn’t pave room for the spot.