Three Colts players who need big performances against the Cardinals if they want to make the 53-man roster

The Indianapolis Colts are taking on the Arizona Cardinals for their second preseason game of the 2024 season.

Head coach Shane Steichen announced that the team is giving their starters a rest day this week following their two joint practice sessions. This offers multiple fringe roster players a massive opportunity to show they belong on the Colts' 53-man roster.

I think three players in particular need to take advantage of this opportunity and have a standout performance against the Cardinals if they want to make the Colts roster.

Rodney Thomas II, Safety

The Colts drafted Rodney Thomas with the 239th pick in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He outperformed expectations early on, which led him to make the roster and play significant snaps as a rookie. Fans and the team were excited to see the type of jump he'd made during his second season in 2023, but informally, the results were less than ideal.

Thomas struggled throughout the year, leading him to be benched during multiple games. It appears that Nick Cross is significantly ahead of him in the battle for the team's starting FS job. And if I'm being honest, I don't think his roster spot is safe at the moment unless he can impress during the short time remaining, which begins with the game tonight against the Cardinals.

Jelani Woods, Tight End

The Colts were beyond excited to land the athletic phenom, Jelani Woods, during the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season had multiple solid flashes of the type of passing weapon he could become. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury stole his entire second NFL season from him last year.

After making his return this season, he seems to be operating as the team's TE five during training camp. If he wants to make the roster, he needs to show the potential his athleticism projects is more than just a pipe dream. A big performance against the Cardinals could be just what the doctor ordered to help Woods prove he belongs on the Colts' 53-man roster.

Jonah Laulu, Defensive Tackle

The Colts drafted Jonah Laulu with the 234th pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Laulu was considered a raw but high-upside prospect who impressed the Colts and multiple other NFL teams at his Pro Day ahead of the draft. Numerous teams had Laulu at the top of their board to potentially pursue as an undrafted free agent, but the Colts chose to cut the line and flat-out draft the intriguing DT.

His chances of making the roster, though, seemed slim coming into camp, but the absence of 2024 Colts free agency signing Raekwon Davis and the mystery around when/if he will make his debut with the team. So, if Laulu can put together a strong performance against the Cardinals, it could drastically improve his chances of sticking around with the Colts on their active roster for his rookie season. And knowing how many teams had interest in signing him as a UDFA, I dont think it's a given he would make it back to the Colts if he hits waivers.

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