The Indianapolis Colts cut 32 players and put four on injured reserve on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here's a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: John Simon went from being an outside linebacker last season with the Colts to being their most productive defensive end in the preseason after their move to a 4-3 scheme. It's surprising the Colts didn't release Simon during the offseason if they didn't feel like he fit their system. They tried to trade him in recent days. The Colts are now in the position of hoping some of their young pass-rushers such as rookie Kemoko Turay and second-year player Tarell Basham can produce after not having much of an impact in the preseason.
Another draft pick released: Colts general manager Chris Ballard has put a premium on building the roster through the draft. But this is the second straight year Ballard has released a rookie selected in the fifth round or lower. Receiver Reece Fountain was released at a position at which the Colts have depth and production concerns after the loss of rookie Deon Cain to a torn ACL. Last year during roster cuts, the Colts released offensive tackle Zach Banner, who was taken in the fourth round.
At 20 straight: Undrafted free-agent linebacker Skai Moore and safety George Odum made the roster to make it 20 straight years that at least one undrafted rookie free agent has made the Colts' 53-man roster. Moore, who played at South Carolina, moved into the starting lineup at middle linebacker early in training camp when Anthony Walker went out with a hamstring injury. Moore will likely start the Week 1 game against Cincinnati if Walker doesn't play.
Colts' moves: Released: OL Deyshawn Bond, QB Phillip Walker, RB Branden Oliver, DL John Simon, TE Mo Alie-Cox, K Michael Badgley, CB Juante Baldwin, DL Brandon Banks, OL 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, OL Jeremy Vujnovich, CB D.J. White, WR Kasen Williams, OL Austin Howard. Waived-Injured: LB Tyrell Adams, WR K.J. Brent, OL Tyreek Burwell, S Chris Cooper, S T.J. Green, WR Krishawn Hogan, CB Robert Jackson, S Ronald Martin, S Robenson Therezie, WR James Wright. Injured reserve: LB Jeremiah George, DL Anthony Johnson, DL Chris McCain, TE Ross Travis. Suspended * (does not count against 53-man roster): RB Robert Turbin