The Indianapolis Colts terminated the contract of undrafted rookie running back Roydell Williams this week, waiving the former Alabama and Florida State standout to create a roster spot for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Williams, a 5-foot-10, 214-pound back from Hueytown, Alabama, had signed with the Colts on July 31 as an undrafted free agent.
The move came just weeks into training camp as Indianapolis shuffled its roster ahead of the preseason. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, brings extensive experience and production to a receiving corps looking for additional help.
The 24-year-old Williams arrived in Indianapolis after a six-year college career split between two prominent programs. At Alabama from 2020 to 2023, he contributed to the Crimson Tide’s 2020 College Football Playoff national championship as a freshman.
He later transferred to Florida State for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Across both stops, Williams totaled 1,264 rushing yards on 275 carries (4.6 yards per attempt) with 13 rushing touchdowns. He also added 28 receptions for 217 yards and two scores. His most productive year came in 2023 at Alabama, when he rushed for 560 yards and five touchdowns.
Injuries limited Williams’ impact at Florida State, where he appeared in a modest number of games over two seasons.
A four-star high school recruit, he had posted impressive numbers at Hueytown High School, including a junior season with more than 2,700 rushing yards. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft after participating in rookie minicamps with other teams.
The Colts’ running back room is led by Jonathan Taylor, who recently signed a two-year extension. Depth behind him remains a work in progress, with 2025 fifth-round pick DJ Giddens dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of recent practices. Other young backs have competed for spots during camp.
Williams’ release is a typical early-camp transaction as teams evaluate roster needs and veteran additions. The Colts, like most NFL clubs, face a series of cuts before the regular season.
Williams now becomes a free agent and could attract interest from teams seeking running back depth, particularly those dealing with injuries.
His combination of size, college production at high-level programs, and special-teams experience could still provide a path to a practice squad or another opportunity.
For now, the brief chapter in Indianapolis has closed as the team prioritizes adding proven talent at receiver.
