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September 5, 2010

George Bremer: Colts have just one goal

The Indianapolis Colts have a well-deserved reputation for keeping the best 53 players on their roster, regardless of draft position or salary.

In general, owner Jim Irsay and President Bill Polian decline to indulge in the types of political games that some franchises use to determine a final roster.

That player-friendly attitude gives the Colts an advantage with many younger free agents. But it’s a double-edged sword.

The same team-first philosophy compels Indianapolis to keep only the 53 players who can help the team win games now. There’s no room for developmental players, and that was made evident by the first five players signed to the practice squad Sunday.

Quarterback Tom Brandstater was brought aboard in June as possible competition for Curtis Painter at the backup spot. But he didn’t pick up the offense quickly enough and was cut Saturday, despite throwing three touchdowns in Thursday’s preseason finale against Cincinnati.

Wideout Brandon James caught those three touchdown passes, but he was a relative bust in the return game. His muffed punt that led to a touchdown in Week 3 against Green Bay apparently carried more weight, and he was cut as well.

Defensive end John Chick, a star for the past three years in the Canadian Football League, impressed Polian early in training camp with his blend of speed and power. But that didn’t carry over to the playing field.

Chick had no sacks and no quarterback hurries in the preseason, despite getting ample playing time in all four games.

Wide receivers Taj Smith and Blair White each had a 100-yard receiving game; both were let go Saturday.

All five players were brought back Sunday on the practice squad. But there’s risk involved.

Teams can carry a maximum of eight players on their practice squad throughout the season. Those players can’t appear in a regular season game unless they are added to the active roster, but any of the 31 other teams in the NFL can sign them to their 53-man roster at any time.

Keeping those players on the practice squad allows the Colts to take a longer look at them and to keep them working in the system. But the Colts are willing to take the risk of losing them because the only thing that matters is winning a championship in Dallas in February.

Each of those five players showed flashes of potential. But none showed the consistency that can help Indianapolis win games in 2010.

And the Colts simply don’t have time to wait for that to develop.

The NFL can be a cold business with no room for emotional attachment. That’s even more true at the elite level.

Some day Brandtstater, James, Chick, Smith and White might help the Colts. Or they might find success in another NFL city.

For now, all that matters to Indianapolis is a seven-pound sterling silver trophy that currently calls New Orleans home.

Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@heraldbulletin.com.

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