The Colts are moving on from a fan favorite player who many had high hopes of him developing into a star early in his career

TE Jelani Woods did not make the Colts' 2025 53-man roster

The Colts drafted Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His large frame and next-level athleticism had many around the NFL projecting him to become a serious threat in the pass game. During his rookie season, he showed flashes of what he could become, generating a lot of buzz around him as he entered his second season. Sadly, that ultimately wouldn't come to fruition as a lingering hamstring injury in training camp would land the TE on the IR, and he would go on to miss the entire 2023 season. The anticipation for his return to the field grew even larger over that year, which had excitement still high entering 2024. Woods had a shaky camp, though, and many were projecting him not to make the Colts' 53-man roster as a result. He wouldn't find out if that were actually the case, though, as he once again landed on season-ending IR just ahead of the cutdown with a new injury.

Which brings us to this year's training camp, where Wood was an afterthought in the TE room. He spent nearly all his time with the third and fourth teams catching passes from Riley Leonard and Jason Bean. It became clear that he was TE5 at best on the Colts and had an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. One he ultimately wasn't able to overcome and is now heading to waivers for the first time in his career. While I'm sure this is a tough feeling for Woods right now, I think a change of scenery was needed and could do him a lot of good as he attempts to revive his career. If he clears waivers, there is also a chance the Colts could look to bring him back to their practice squad; however, I think the time has come for the two to part ways, regardless.