INDIANAPOLIS – In one aspect, Thursday night is the Super Bowl for numerous Colts players.
In another, the preseason finale has a high school feel to it.
The Super Bowl nature of Thursday night comes in the form of those 60 minutes being the final chance to make Colts decision makers pause when names are brought up to finalize a 53-man roster this weekend.
An impression on Thursday, could lead to a spot on a team with real aspirations to play in February.
From a high school standpoint, the reps guys will receive on Thursday could rival that of the days when they rarely came off the field.
With starters likely sidelined against Cincinnati, those who play Thursday will see plenty of action, including special teams, which could be the ultimate deciding factor.
At four stops around the NFL, Chuck Pagano knows the value coming Thursday night.
"Every year I've been in the league, it seems like one guy has made a final cut based on the last game. So to say it's not important, I'd be lying to you," Pagano says.
"There's been a number of guys that have come out of nowhere. Again, it's their full body of work. But (let's say) two guys are neck and neck and one guy shows out whether it's on offense, defense, or special teams, it can make a big difference."
The business side of the NFL gets very real this week.
After saying goodbye to 15 players earlier this week, the Colts must part ways with another 22 by Saturday's cut down to 53.
Defensive tackle Zach Kerr survived last year, even with the odds stacked against him.
As an undrafted free agent, Kerr shined in the preseason and earned a roster spot.
Kerr was very candid in talking about what these few days are like.
"It's tough. I could be gone," Kerr said of the inevitable thoughts that creep into his mind.
"It's always in the back of your head. Anytime you make a mistake you're like, 'Is that going to be the mistake that gets me out of here?' As much as they say, 'Don't think about it. Worry about the things you can control.' At the end of the day, you worry about it because it's your livelihood."
LONGEST ACTIVE STREAKS WITH ROOKIE UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT ON WEEK 1 ROSTER
|
Team |
Consecutive Years |
|
Colts |
16 |
|
Chiefs |
12 |
|
Broncos |
11 |
|
Ravens |
11 |
|
Patriots |
11 |
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