My first stab at guessing the 53-man roster was way back in June.

My second was the first week after training camp started.

My third was after the team had a couple of preseason games under their belt.

Now, with preseason concluded and cutdown day scheduled for tomorrow, I present my final guess as to the 2010 Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster... after the jump.

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Colts wide receiver Blair White (9/2/2010)

On feeling about about his performance against the Bengals:

It was alright. I think that catch at the end would have capped it off nicely, but I thought I played alright. I got better and that’s what it’s about. Most of all, it was just fun to go out there and play and get some balls and block. It was just a great atmosphere out there.

On if his feels happy with his performance this preseason:

Yes. I got better throughout and that’s what it’s all about, just getting better and going out there and doing the best you can. I think I did that. Hopefully, with my effort and those things, I can turn some heads.

On what he feels he can contribute to the Colts:

I kind of don’t worry about that. I’m just going out there everyday and working my tail off and I may not get as many reps as the one’s or some other guys, but at the same time I’ve got to go out and get better and put myself in the best situation I can.

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John Oehser (recently hired by Fanhouse, making the often dreary AOL product much more appealing) has a special up for Colts.com about certain players who are using the fourth and final preseason game as a last ditch, "This is basically my season for me right here" type of game.

For me, players like Javarris James, whose quote above accurately sums up the magnitude of this game for several 'bubble' players, are fighting for the practice squad. After an off-season of OTAs, training camp, and three preseason games, I'm fairly certain the Colts know who is on their 53 man roster. If there is an area that is somewhat fluid now, it's kick and punt returner. Pretty much everything else is likely set, especially when you consider that the Colts are not looking for any starters. They're looking for depth.

After the jump, we list the guys who really need to show something in this fourth game if they are to be considered for the team's practice squad.

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Before I go into my reasons why kick and punt returner Brandon James is likely to get a pink slip next week, let me just say that since the start of camp I have been a very vocal, very out-spoken Brandon James cheerleader. He had a very good training camp, and it seemed clear that the Colts planned to use him in a variety of ways: Returning kicks, running screens, reverses, playing slot receiver, etc.

During the first two preseason games, James really seemed to showcase his ability in the open field. By far, he's gotten the most work of any kick or punt returner playing in preseason. His 10 kick-off returns lead NFL players in preseason, and his 6 punt returns are 8th. His kick return average (24.3) is already higher than what Chad Simpson was giving the Colts last year (23.6). In addition, James' nine returns for 20 or more yards leads all players in preseason.

Again, it's preseason and the numbers are to be taken with a grain of salt, but for the most part James had been a breath of fresh air for the special teams unit.

However, if you had asked me "What could James ill-afford to do between the third preseason game and the final cuts?" My answer would have been an easy one: He absolutely cannot muff a punt or a kick. Even worse, if that muffed punt or kick gives the opponent a touchdown, he's a definite goner.

Unfortunately for Brandon James, that is exactly what he did in the team's third preseason game.

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While some of us are still ranting about having 59 points dropped on us by the Packers, it's important to (once again) stress that this is preseason. Teams are evaluating talent, not trying to win football games. And if you took a gander around the NFL landscape last night, you saw many, many other supposedly 'good' teams look utterly miserable in their 'dress rehearsal' preseason game:

• Mark Sanchez looked pitiful against the Redskins. I know because I was there, watching the game at the new Meadowlands Stadium. When Sanchez threw the interception to DeAngelo Hall, the crowd booed him. They actually booed him... in preseason. Welcome to New York... er, New Jersey.
• Small side note: Lucas Oil Stadium is nicer.
• The Chiefs continue to look like dog meat in preseason as do the Eagles. Kevin Kolb looks worse than Matt Cassel, and that's saying something.
• Speaking of injuries, a Chiefs player got carted off the field with an apparent spine injury. Thoughts are with him.
• The Patriots got smacked around by the Rams. The Rams! Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was carving up the Pats first unit defense. If not for Ben Tate's kick-off return in the first quarter, the Pats would have had a 20-7 halftime lead.

My point here is this is preseason. Calm down. I'll throw in a quote from Jim Caldwell after the jump that puts a few more things into perspective. Bottom line, the Colts are still very good. In two weeks, no one will care about these preseason scores.

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Earlier this week, we talked about guys who needed to prove something in this third preseason game. While guys like Tom Brandstater weren't even given a chance despite Curtis Painter fumbling twice and throwing yet another interception, guys like Ricardo Mathews and Mike Hart showed up a little bit.

Unfortunately, several other players simply did not perform, and when you look at the entirety of their training camp and preseason, they simply have not done enough to win a spot on the 53-man roster.

After the jump, we discuss who helped themselves against the Packers and who will likely get a pink slip after September 2nd's fourth and final preseason game for the Colts.

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I've had a few people email me, asking why I haven't posted the video of the hot blonde Colts fan who was dancing in the stands of the Colts preseason game played in Toronto, Canada last week. My response was, generally, 'Well, I agree she's hot, but we're kind of focused on, you know, the actual team on the field right now. I'll post it when I feel like it.'

OK, now I feel like it.

Of course, The Big Lead took this opportunity to take a shot at Colts fans:

Usually, Colts Fans Are Some of the Most Insufferable in the NFL. Not This Nice Lady, Though

Of course, Jason McIntyre at TBL forgot to add his tagline:

Sincerely,

Douchebag Jets fan who makes bold NFL predictions that never come true.

After the jump, a small reminder of another Jason McIntyre prediction that blew up in his face. You'd think the guy would learn that trash talk only matters when your team actually, you know, wins something. But, I'm sure such reasonable rules of engagement only make me more 'insufferable' to deal with.

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The good news is Kyle DeVan, Pierre Garcon, and Mike Hart have returned to practice this week. All three missed the Buffalo Bills preseason game. DeVan had suffered from a hamstring injury against the 49ers the week before, and Garcon had been in and out of practices all through training camp and preseason. I have no idea what Hart's problem is, and frankly I don't care. Mike is always hurt, and I kind of get annoyed tracking his various injuries. This is why part of me is hoping Baby J (Javarris James) unseats him as the goal-line back. I like Mike Hart, and I would never say he is 'weak' or anything like that.

However, he gets hurt a lot, and an injured player is a useless player. Cold, I agree. But, it's life in the Not For Long game.

Also missing practice this week were Jeff Saturday, Dallas Clark, Charlie Johnson, Jaimie Thomas, Austin Collie, Trevor Anderson, Devin Moore, and Jerraud Powers.

Powers is the one that is most concerning. After the jump, I explain why.

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