Colts surprise defender solidifying roster spot with strong preseason

Cody Manning

Colts surprise defender solidifying roster spot with strong preseason image

With one preseason game remaining, there are several players vying for the final spots on the Indianapolis Colts roster.

Some players are making their case for roster spots simply due to superior play and ambiguity on the depth chart ahead of them. Others are taking advantage extra opportunities because of injuries.

When Samson Ebukam suffered his torn Achilles, that opened a path for depth players to step up in his absence.

One of those players with an opportunity to carve himself out a role in the rotation is Isaiah Land.

The second-year edge rusher put together a great outing on Saturday night in the Colts' 21-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals.

He flashed that pass-rushing ability we got a glimpse of in 2023 but also made some plays in run defense, an area he has to show more for him to get more snaps this season.

Land wrapped up his evening with three solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack.

He’s now up to seven tackles (six solo), two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a sack through the first two preseason games.

This was a promising performance by Land, who should be making the 53-man roster in 10 days.

MORE COLTS
Colts polarizing defender shines in preseason amid crucial position battle
Colts' surprise standout continues strong preseason
Colts draft pick generating concern with poor preseason 

Cody Manning

Cody Manning Photo

Cody Manning is a graduate of the University of Tampa’s Sport Management program. He spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Guest and Member Relations Game Day staff where he was a Team Leader and earned Difference Maker of the Year in 2017. During his time with the Bucs, he helped start Blitzalytics, a scouting and analytics media company. After that came to an end, he joined USA Today’s Colts Wire as a contributor in 2021. Outside of football, he is an avid WWE and Batman fan. You can find him on Twitter/X @CodyTalksNFL.