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Chris Ballard defends Zaire Franklin trade after Colts release Colby Wooden
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- Chris Ballard defends Zaire Franklin trade after Colts release Colby Wooden
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts cut ties with Colby Wooden , the player they got in return for Zaire Franklin , before he could ever play a snap.
Wooden was supposed to be a high-upside pickup, a player who would thrive in a defense that asked him to play his natural position, the 3-technique defensive tackle, instead of the nose tackle spot the Packers asked him to play last year. Ideally, the Colts envisioned Wooden as a versatile backup who could spell DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart , the team's aging stars.
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Indianapolis ended up keeping five defensive tackles. Wooden wasn't one of them.
Indianapolis released Wooden on Sunday, and he was immediately claimed on waivers by the Saints , leaving the Colts with little to show for the Franklin trade other than $4 million to $5 million in salary-cap space.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard pushed back on that evaluation of the trade in his press conference on Tuesday.
"It created great competition inside," Ballard said. "One of the things we wanted to do was make sure we have enough depth inside to be able to spell Buck and Grove. All the guys we had, they're all on NFL rosters right now. We knew we were going to cut a guy that ended up being on somebody else's team."
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs on the keeper during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 13, 2026.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) drops back to throw against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks on the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Deion Burks of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Amen Ogbongbemiga of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Jul 31, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works his way open during a drill Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) runs downfield after a catch Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) takes a pass downfield Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) pulls in a pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) pulls in a catch Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana on July 31, 2026.
(Robert Goddin, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) high-fives Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills center Sedrick van Pran-Granger (62) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts guard Jalen Farmer (62) puts on his helmet on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves (71) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) works through blocking drills Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive linesman Micheal Clemons (72) during a practice session before the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
(Shaun Brooks, Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) prepares for team drills Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) yells in excitement Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) prepares for a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Caden Curry (55) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (52) rushes up the field Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) warms up during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (7) holds his helmet Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during day four of Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Jun 9, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts safety A.J. Haulcy (25) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) stretches Thursday, July 30, 2026, during the second of Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) celebrates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds for a placekick Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) celebrates Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) 60 yard field goal kick on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs on the keeper during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 13, 2026.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) drops back to throw against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks on the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Deion Burks of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Amen Ogbongbemiga of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Jul 31, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works his way open during a drill Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) runs downfield after a catch Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) takes a pass downfield Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) pulls in a pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) pulls in a catch Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana on July 31, 2026.
(Robert Goddin, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) high-fives Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills center Sedrick van Pran-Granger (62) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Jalen Farmer (62) puts on his helmet on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves (71) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) works through blocking drills Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive linesman Micheal Clemons (72) during a practice session before the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
(Shaun Brooks, Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Laiatu Latu photos of Indianapolis Colts pass rusher
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) prepares for team drills Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) yells in excitement Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) prepares for a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
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Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Caden Curry (55) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (52) rushes up the field Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) warms up during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Sauce Gardner, Colts All-Pro cornerback, through the years
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (7) holds his helmet Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during day four of Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Jun 9, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts safety A.J. Haulcy (25) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) stretches Thursday, July 30, 2026, during the second of Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) celebrates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Here's some of the 2026 NFL players with connections to the Hoosier state
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds for a placekick Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) celebrates Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) 60 yard field goal kick on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Wooden repeatedly told reporters this offseason that he believed the Indianapolis defense would be a better fit for him.
Undersized for a nose tackle at 6-foot-4, 273 pounds, Wooden was supposed to be a penetrating, disruptive interior force in Indianapolis.
But the Colts had better options. Adetomiwa Adebawore , another undersized option, is coming off a four-sack season and looked like the team's best interior rusher in training camp. Free agent Micheal Clemons is listed as a defensive end, but he repeatedly flashed an ability to beat guards with his quickness when he's deployed inside.
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That left Wooden trying to prove himself as a run stopper, and he struggled to replicate his success in Green Bay .
"I don't know if it was as much about Colby as it was about (Jerry) Tillery and Tim Smith," Ballard said. "Those two kids, they played better."
Tillery, 29, is a seven-year veteran of the Chargers, Raiders, Vikings and Chiefs.
Smith, a 2025 sixth-rounder, spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad, then made a strong push once the Colts reached the preseason. A backup to Stewart, Smith led the Colts with 14 tackles in the preseason.
"I'm proud of him," Ballard said. "He had his struggles last preseason, and really into the year. We stuck with him, he kept working and really, a light came on. He played his ass off the last three weeks of training camp and in the preseason."
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Under Ballard's leadership, the Colts have typically kept at least one direct backup to Stewart on the roster.
This time, Indianapolis kept two.
"Colby's a great dude," Ballard said. "Those other guys just played better."
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter .
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Chris Ballard defends Zaire Franklin trade after Colts release Colby Wooden
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