6 surprises from Indianapolis Colts' initial 53-man roster

The Indianapolis Colts’ initial 53-man roster is set.

As always, things mostly play out as expected. While the focus over the summer is on positional battles, the reality is that there are very few roster spots actually up for grabs.

But having said that, there is always a roster move that catches us off guard, whether it’s a player who is released or a player who makes the team.

When it comes to the Colts‘ 53-man roster, here are the moves–to differing degrees–that fall into the surprise category.

DE Isaiah Land waived

Land was dominant this preseason. Among all defensive ends this preseason, Land ranked 10th in pass rush win rate, totaling seven pressures and a sack. He also ranked 19th among ends in run stop rate as well.

However, the numbers game likely led to his release. As potentially the sixth member of the defensive end unit, there likely wasn’t much playing time for Land, which meant he may have often been inactive this season.

CB Chris Lammons released

Like Land, Lammons had a really strong showing this preseason. In three preseason games, he allowed three completions on nine targets, giving up 39 yards. He also forced three pass breakups.

But again, somewhat like Land, Lammons is now in a very crowded cornerback room, and my guess is that getting him to the practice squad is more likely than some of the other younger cornerbacks.

CB JuJu Brents waived

I’ll still put Brents being waived in the ‘surprise’ category, even though we discussed this being an option after the Bengals‘ game. Unfortunately, injuries have defined Brents’ career up to this point. In his first two seasons, he’s appeared in just 11 games and then missed most of this year’s training camp.

LB Austin Ajiake waived

I was fairly confident that Ajiake would be on the team. He got a lot of opportunities in practice and was ahead of Segun Olubi on the depth chart in preseason games. Lou Anarumo even mentioned him by name recently when discussing the linebacker rotation. But the Colts go light, only rostering four at this position, which could be a group they still look to add to.

Eric Johnson and Tim Smith both make the team

Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised because we know Chris Ballard’s affinity for loading up on defensive linemen. However, I didn’t expect both Johnson and Smith to make the team. One or the other seemed to make the most sense, given that there didn’t seem to be a ton of flashes from either this summer.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 53-man roster: 6 surprises from initial moves

6 surprises from Indianapolis Colts’ initial 53-man roster

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