How many roster spots are available?

The Indianapolis Colts will carry their 90-man roster into training camp at Westfield in less than two weeks, working to cut the group down to 53 players before the start of the 2022 season.

While there are several spots already locked up heading into training camp, there are a number of roster spots on the 53-man that are up for grabs. But just how many spots are we talking about?

In this fun little diddy of an exercise, we are going to examine which players are locks at each position and how many spots are likely to be up for grabs.

Because we don’t know the exact number of players the Colts will keep at each position, this isn’t an exact science. They could wind up keeping more running backs than we expect. They could keep fewer linebackers. At this point, it’s an educated guess.

Here’s a closer look at the roster locks and the roster spots still available as the Colts approach training camp in 2022:

Quarterback

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Roster Locks (2): Matt Ryan, Nick Foles
Spots Available: Zero

With Ryan and Foles leading the quarterback room, there seems no point in burning a roster spot for Sam Ehlinger. Sure, it may be risky to put him through waivers on the practice squad, but depth will be needed elsewhere so it’s highly unlikely they will carry three quarterbacks.

Running Back

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Roster Locks (2): Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines
Spots Available: One, maybe two

This position is going to be somewhat of a wild card. Taylor and Hines are locked in, and there are five running backs vying for the final spot(s) in the room. The Colts kept four spots in 2021 but Marlon Mack was a healthy scratch on game days. Phillip Lindsay leads the competition but his lack of special teams work may force the Colts to keep another back like Deon Jackson or one of the undrafted rookies on the roster.

Wide Receiver

Syndication: The Indianapolis Star

Roster Locks (4): Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, Ashton Dulin
Spots Available: Two

The Colts have to keep six wide receivers on the active roster. Behind Pittman Jr., three players are locked to make the roster but are still looking to prove themselves on the field. The final two spots in the room are going to come down to upside and special teams contribution. It will be a fiery competition for those final two spots, especially if the Colts wind up adding a veteran to…