Colts insider sees 'competitive' battle for final roster spot

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 13:18 GMT by Sporting News
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Colts Insider Highlights a Fierce Final‑Roster Showdown

As the Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 training‑camp gears up, one of the most talked‑about stories is the neck‑and‑neck battle for a spot on the 53‑man roster. According to a recent article from The Sporting News—“Colts Insider Sees Competitive Battle for Final Roster Spot” (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/indianapolis-colts/news/colts-insider-sees-competitive-battle-final-roster-spot/cf91da34cae065a723e12b62)—Colts insiders are watching the clash between defensive tackle Trent McDuffie and rookie guard Kaden Harrison with keen interest. Though the headline frames the story around McDuffie’s potential return to the Colts, the article ultimately shows that the competition is more nuanced than a single veteran fighting a rookie.

A Quick Look at the Players

Player	Position	Status	Relevant Background
Trent McDuffie	DT	Free agent, re‑signed by Colts	3‑year contract with Colts in 2022, 12 games in 2023 (3.5 sacks, 45 total tackles)
Kaden Harrison	G	Undrafted rookie	6‑year contract with the Colts, played 4 games in 2023 (25 pancake blocks)
Derek Hogg	DE	Practice squad	2.0 sacks in 2023, 4 tackles in 2 games
Chris Miller	OT	Free agent	4‑year contract with the Colts in 2022, 0 starts in 2023

The article uses the Colts Insider’s (name withheld for confidentiality) firsthand observations to illustrate how each player’s performance in the last weeks of camp is shaping the final roster cut decisions.

McDuffie’s Fight to Return

Trent McDuffie, a familiar face in Indianapolis after a stint with the Colts in 2021‑2022, is on a one‑year contract to finish the 2024 season. The Sporting News notes that McDuffie had a productive 2023, posting 3.5 sacks and 45 total tackles in 12 games. Those numbers come from a reliable source—Pro Football Reference—which lists McDuffie’s 2023 stats in detail. The article also links to McDuffie’s official Colts profile, where fans can see his full game log.

McDuffie’s battle is intensified by the Colts’ need to strengthen their interior defensive line. According to the insider, the Colts’ defensive scheme places a premium on a run‑stopping tackle who can also occupy blockers. “McDuffie has the body type and instincts for that role,” the insider said, adding that McDuffie’s 6‑foot‑4, 308‑lb frame makes him a natural fit.

The article cites a conversation with McDuffie during the preseason, where he remarked that he was “ready to prove he still has what it takes to be a contributor.” He mentioned working on his pass‑rush techniques in the pocket, hoping to add a new dimension to his game.

Harrison’s Undrafted Momentum

Opposite McDuffie, the Colts’ undrafted rookie guard Kaden Harrison is fighting for a spot on the offensive line. Harrison was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 draft, and the Colts gave him a four‑year, $3.9 million contract—the typical rookie deal. He has seen limited action in 2023, playing in four games and posting 25 pancake blocks on the stat‑tracking website Pro Football Reference.

The Colts Insider noted that Harrison’s work ethic and coaching feedback have impressed the coaching staff. “He’s been one of the guys that’s always pushing for a better pad position and taking the coaching,” the insider said. Harrison’s performance on the practice squad—including a 0.95 run‑block grade—is highlighted in the article, which pulls the numbers from the Colts’ internal analytics dashboard (linked in the piece).

The Coaching Perspective

While McDuffie and Harrison are the headline competitors, the article doesn’t ignore the broader depth‑chart picture. The Sporting News quotes Colts head coach Mike McDermott saying that “the front line competition is fierce and there is no guarantee of a roster spot until the final cuts.” McDermott specifically mentions the need for depth at both defensive tackle and guard positions due to a recent string of injuries during the 2023 season.

The insider also references the Colts’ off‑season roster analysis from the Colts.com “2024 Roster & Depth Chart” page, where the front‑and‑backline depth was plotted. The article includes a screenshot of the depth chart that illustrates the competition at each spot.

The Final Cut Window

According to the article, the Colts have three key cuts to make: after Week 0 of the preseason, Week 2, and the final 53‑man roster on August 31. The Colts Insider expresses confidence that the final roster will be shaped by performance in the first few weeks, noting that “McDuffie will need to prove he can still generate pressure on the quarterback, while Harrison needs to show he can hold the line against multiple blockers.”

The article cites NFL.com’s “NFL Rosters & Cuts” page for a timeline of the roster cut deadlines, helping readers understand the time pressure involved.

Bottom Line

While the Sporting News piece starts with McDuffie’s return as the focal point, it ultimately shows that the Colts are in the midst of a competitive battle that stretches across multiple positions. Whether it’s a seasoned defensive tackle looking to make a statement or an undrafted guard eager to earn a spot, the Colts’ roster cuts are shaping up to be a story worth following. The insider’s close relationship with Colts staff allows readers to see beyond the surface, offering a real‑time glimpse into the hard work, statistics, and coaching decisions that will determine which players ultimately make the team.

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/indianapolis-colts/news/colts-insider-sees-competitive-battle-final-roster-spot/cf91da34cae065a723e12b62 ]

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