Colts Roster Cuts: Who were the casualties to bring roster down to 53-man limit?

Today is the day. While many of us are enjoying a backyard barbecue or spending time with family and friends, 37 Colts players are preparing to begin the search for new work. The Colts made some decisions we expected and some we didn’t. Here is the full recap:

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Waived

TE Mo Alie-Cox

K Mike Badgley

CB Juante Baldwin

DT Brandon Banks

C Deyshawn Bond

G Nick Callender

LB Brandon Chubb

CB Lashard Durr

WR Reece Fountain

WR Cobi Hamilton

WR Steve Ishmael

WR Seantavius Jones

DT Tomasi Laulile

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

CB Henre’ Toliver

G Jeremy Vujnovich

QB Phillip Walker

CB D.J. White

WR Kasen Wiliams

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Waive – Injured

LB Tyrell Adams

WR K.J. Brent

T Tyreek Burwell

S Chris Cooper

S T.J. Green

WR Krishawn Hogan

CB Robert Jackson

S Ronald Martin

S Robenson Therezie

WR James Wright

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Released

T Austin Howard

RB Branden Oliver

DE John Simon

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Injured Reserve

LB Jeremiah George

DE Anthony Johnson

DE Chris McCain

TE Ross Travis

Quick Notes

• First off is the major surprise release of DE John Simon. Despite Simon being viewed over the offseason as an odd fit in the new scheme, his stellar training camp and impressive play throughout the preseason had most thinking he was a clear lock for the roster. What exactly the reasoning for parting with Simon was, we can only guess, but this one seems a bit questionable to me.
• In another shocker, the Colts moved on from rookie 5^th round pick wide receiver Reece Fountain. Fountain is a player who certainly has the measurables, but didn’t translate into a significant contributor over the course of the preseason. Still, it was surprising to see him cut given the need at wide receiver. He seems like a likely candidate for the practice squad.
• Jeremy Vujnovich started all 16 games last season for the Colts, yet was unable to make the roster for this team. While this wasn’t surprising, it shows how the group has changed over the offseason.
• WR’s Steve Ishmael, K.J. Brent, and Kasen Williams all showed promise at various times throughout the offseason, but for one reason or another didn’t make the cut. The Colts kept just 5 receivers, and I expect that to be a group in flux as waiver claims go in.
• T.J. Green, the Colts’ 2016 second round pick at safety was one of the first cuts, and comes as a bit of a surprise, although not an unwelcome move. Green was a pick that former coach Chuck Pagano pushed for, and while he had some impressive traits, his awareness and all-around play was poor. Ballard raved about him early in the offseason, but he simply didn’t show enough to earn a spot with the team.
• The circus is far from over. With the Colts sitting 3^rd in waiver priority and Chris Ballard already demonstrating a tendency toward utilizing waiver claims, this roster is just getting started. Keep tuned to Stampede Blue for more updates.