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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson played the entire first half of the preseason finale against the Eagles' backup defense. He showcased the maddening inconsistency typical of a young, inexperienced player, yet there were enough flashes of brilliance to keep us excited about his potential. The passing game is clearly a work in progress: Richardson completed just 6-of-17 passes for 78 yards. At moments, he seemed rushed in the pocket and struggled with touch throws, often sailing deeper passes too high. However, he appeared most at ease running RPO (run-pass option) plays and made several impressive throws over the middle. On a brighter note, Richardson’s rushing ability is enough to be optimistic about his short- and long-term fantasy upside. He gained 38 yards on five carries, displaying the speed to reach the edge and turn the corner. An impressive 15-yard run on the opening drive was negated by a holding penalty; otherwise, he would've totaled 53 yards in just one half. “That’s one of his talents,” head coach Shane Steichen said of Richardson’s big runs. “To create those big plays outside the pocket. I think he had 38 rushing yards, but the scramble plays when guys are coming through on blitzes. Obviously, we have got to look at those and get those things picked up better. But just his ability to create outside the pocket is definitely going to help us.” Gardner Minshew, the top backup, is certainly the more refined and efficient passer at this stage, completing 9-of-11 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Sam Ehlinger, a distant third on the depth chart, is likely to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, thanks to a rule change allowing a third quarterback to be active on game days without affecting the active roster limit.
Running Backs
Just two weeks before the regular season's kickoff, the Colts' backfield remains a mystery. Jonathan Taylor has been given permission to seek a trade, and multiple teams—including the Dolphins as the frontrunner—have reportedly expressed interest. However, a trade is far from guaranteed. In fact, James Boyd of The Athletic believes that “the most likely scenario is (Taylor) remains in Indianapolis.“ Taylor's contract demands complicate any trade, and he's unlikely to play for less with a different team. Teams appear willing to meet Taylor's $12 million-plus salary request but are hesitant about the Colts' demand for significant draft capital. Things should come to a head soon. Decisions loom as Taylor remains on the PUP list, needing activation by Tuesday or missing at least the first four games. Until then, drafting Taylor is very risky. Any trade could also include a running back coming back to the Colts as part of the deal, which makes projecting the backfield even more difficult. Even if Taylor is traded, the starter might not be currently on the roster. Zack Moss appears on track to return from an arm injury and make the 53-man roster. He is the favorite to lead a backfield committee should Taylor be traded or continue to hold out. Rookie Evan Hull has shown promise, especially in pass protection, and looks to be a roster lock. Deon Jackson also seems likely to make the team and could see third-down snaps.
Wide Receivers
The starting trio is established: Michael Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs played nearly every snap with Richardson and the starting offense in the first half. In 37 offensive snaps, Pittman 36, Pierce 34, and Downs 33. Pittman had the most chemistry with Richardson, catching two passes for 24 yards. Pierce and Downs, however, were held without a catch. Pierce was targeted thrice but couldn't secure any 50-50 balls. Though he's improved as a route runner during camp, his connection with Richardson remains inconsistent. Downs, meanwhile, has a better rapport with Richardson but dropped a potential big gain against the Eagles. From a fantasy perspective, your interest in the Colts' receivers should correlate directly with your belief in Richardson's potential growth as a passer.
Tight Ends
Projecting the tight end depth chart is tricky, mainly because Jelani Woods and Mo Alie-Cox have missed considerable time. Presumably, they top the list in what will likely be a committee approach. Behind them, Kyle Granson and Andrew Ogletree have taken significant first-team reps and should make the team. Will Mallory, a fifth-round pick, would ideally be moved to the practice squad, but his pedigree makes that a risky proposition. He led the team with 43 receiving yards against the Eagles.
Kickers
Lucas Havrisik took all the kicks in the preseason finale, even though he was released this weekend. Matt Gay was given the night off so Havrisik could get more work and perhaps impress a kicker-needy team. Havrisik went 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts and made both field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards.
Defense
The standout story of the camp on defense has been Darrell Baker Jr Jr.'s rise from obscurity to become the top cornerback. Undrafted in 2022 and initially cut by the Cardinals, Baker spent most of last season on the Colts' practice squad. He possesses above-average size and speed and acquitted himself well in the preseason. While his emergence is encouraging, it might also signal concerns about the quality of a young, inexperienced secondary lacking in proven talent.
Returners
The Colts seem poised to have Isaiah McKenzie field punts and Dallis Flowers return kickoffs in 2023.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson has won the starting job and has impressed throughout camp. His exceptional athleticism and powerful arm have drawn attention, but what truly stands out is his composure and self-assuredness. Richardson remains level-headed regardless of mistakes. While reports have been exceedingly positive, there have certainly been plenty of errors, and the rookie is clearly a work in progress. He has missed badly on some throws and is going to make mistakes. Apart from Jonathan Taylor's holdout, surrounding elements are falling into place for Richardson. The offensive line has been very good, with second-year man Bernhard Raimann making a giant leap after an awful rookie season. Proven veterans Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith are all healthy. There is emerging young talent at wide receiver, as well. The coaching staff was confident enough in Richardson’s progress to hold him out of the Week 2 matchup against the Bears. Gardner Minshew, who has been efficient throughout camp, started against Chicago and completed 13-of-15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Sam Ehlinger also played well, throwing for 124 yards and adding 60 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He still may not make the team, as the Colts are likely to keep just two quarterbacks.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor is set to rejoin the Colts shortly after an excused absence. He spent time at an out-of-state facility rehabbing his ankle. Determining the authenticity of this injury rehab is challenging. Considering his relatively minor surgery in January, questions arise whether this absence serves as an excuse for his holdout rather than being necessary rehab. While his return to Indianapolis is positive, head coach Shane Steichen noted uncertainty about when Taylor will practice. Owner Jim Irsay added to the uncertainty regarding the injury, saying, “We’re really looking forward to him playing his way into being the Jonathan Taylor he was.” We have not heard from Taylor directly since June, and there is no indication that he is on any better terms with the team since he requested a trade. Taylor has few options if the Colts continue to play hardball and may be forced to play out the final year of his rookie deal for $4.3 million. However, his commitment is questionable even if he remains on the roster. He might employ actual, minor, or fabricated injuries as a form of protest pseudo-holdout due to the team's failure to extend his contract. This situation is complex, and drafting Taylor carries substantial risk. The depth behind Taylor doesn't elicit much excitement. Once Zack Moss returns from a broken arm sustained three weeks ago, he presumably remains the top backup option. Considering the anticipated four-to-six-week recovery period, his expected return is at least a week away. Deon Jackson looks to be third on the depth chart, flashing as a pass catcher. We haven’t seen much to get excited about from Evan Hull or Kenyan Drake, who may be battling for the final roster spot.
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman Jr and Alec Pierce are the unquestioned starters. Pierce has garnered encouraging reviews entering his second season. He excelled in contested catch situations as a rookie but struggled to gain separation. His route running has reportedly made a giant leap. "I think I've continued to grow my game," said Pierce. "Show I can get open on different levels of the field and make plays on different levels, and then just building chemistry with the quarterbacks." Notably, rookie speedster Josh Downs has jumped ahead of Isaiah McKenzie on the depth chart and secured the starting slot receiver role. A noticeable connection between Downs and Richardson, who are roommates in camp, has formed, with Richardson frequently targeting him. McKenzie is likely to retain a spot as the fourth receiver. Following Ashton Dulin's ACL tear, the remaining depth chart remains uncertain. Mike Strachan, Juwan Winfree, Amari Rodgers, and James Washington are contenders for the final roster position.
Tight Ends
Kyle Granson has capitalized on his status as the healthiest among the top contenders for playing time. Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods have missed much of camp. When everyone is healthy, the trio is expected to share snaps, with Drew Ogletree potentially contributing as a blocking specialist. Rookie Will Mallory may find himself on the practice squad unless the team opts to retain five tight ends.
Defense
Defensive end Kwity Paye has emerged as the premier edge rusher. He is fully healthy after being hobbled by an ankle injury for most of last season. Safety Nick Cross has made significant strides after a challenging rookie year. Despite being just 22 years old in September, he has emerged as a leader in an inexperienced secondary. Star linebacker Shaq Leonard is in concussion protocol, but it seems to be just a minor setback in what has been a very encouraging return from November back surgery. He actively participated in the first 12 camp practices. The cornerback position features intrigue, as JuJu Brents, anticipated to start immediately after being drafted in the second round, has dealt with a hamstring injury. Cornerbacks Dallas Flowers and Darrell Baker Jr Jr. appear poised to be the Week 1 starters.
Offensive Line
Center Ryan Kelly has missed time with a foot injury, and Wesley French has been shaky in relief. Kelly's not an Ironman, but this injury doesn't seem serious. Similarly, right guard Will Fries has been sidelined, leading to opportunities for players like Danny Pinter and Arlington Hambright. Rookie Blake Freeland has done well in limited action at right tackle and should be the swing option this year. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann is another ascending starter. Assuming left guard Quenton Nelson bounces back, the Colts' offensive line ranks 6th overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson’s debut was a mixed bag. It started with a couple of short completions to Isaiah McKenzie, but on his fifth snap, Richardson threw an ill-advised pass off his back foot that got intercepted. However, the interception may not have been entirely Richardson’s fault. “I would say that interception is on me; a little miscommunication there,” McKenzie said. McKenzie was not the only one who took the blame for the play. “That’s my fault,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “We gotta do a better job communicating there on that one. They brought slot pressure off the edge, and there was a miscommunication. That starts with coaching; that starts with myself. Other than that, I thought he was efficient and threw some good balls.” After Richardson settled in, he showed plenty that should get fans excited. He displayed his unique blend of speed and power, getting around the edge for a five-yard gain that ended with him delivering a blow to finish off the run. He had goal line touchdown run called back because of a holding penalty. He also threw a perfect deep ball to Alec Pierce in the end zone that Pierce could not quite haul in. “I thought he did a nice job,” Coach Steichen said of Richardson. “It’ll be good to watch the film, clean the things up that we need to clean up from everybody, and go from there.” While Gardner Minshew continues to rotate in with the starting offense in practices, Richardson has been named the team’s Week 1 starter. There will be growing pains and inconsistency, but there should be some exciting highlight reel runs and throws mixed in, too.
Running Backs
The running back situation is as clear as mud. It all starts with the uncertainty surrounding star Jonathan Taylor who left the team last week to rehab his ankle. Recall that he had surgery on his ankle seven months ago. The messy contract dispute that led Taylor to request a trade three weeks ago seems no closer to being resolved, but Taylor nevertheless returned to the team on Monday. Now that he’s back in camp, the next step is removing him from the PUP list. It is impossible to predict how the contract impasse will be resolved, if at all. The pecking order behind Taylor is equally uncertain. Rookie Evan Hull started against the Bills but averaged just 2.1 yards on seven carries. Deon Jackson carried six times for 35 yards, displaying a burst. He may be in line to lead the backfield should Taylor and Zack Moss both miss regular-season time. Moss had surgery on his broken arm last week and will miss about six weeks.
Wide Receivers
Alec Pierce has been a consistent standout throughout the first few weeks of camp and looks poised to take a major step forward in his second season as the starter opposite of Michael Pittman Jr Pierce was not quite able to haul in a deep bomb from Richardson against the Bills on his only target but has made enough plays in camp practices to solidify his No. 2 spot. The more intriguing dynamic centers around veteran Isaiah McKenzie and rookie Josh Downs, who both want the slot role. McKenzie has earned snaps ahead of Downs and was targeted three times on the opening drive of the preseason game. Downs has been the go-to option on the second team, however. His speed and playmaking ability are obvious, and it seems only a matter of time until he overtakes McKenzie. Downs had catches of 18 and 11 yards while playing with Minshew. “He’s open, mostly. That’s a really good quality to have as a receiver,” Minshew said of Downs. “As long as he keeps doing that, we’re gonna try to keep finding him.”
Tight Ends
Injuries have clouded the picture at tight end. Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, and Will Mallory are still out with injuries. In their absence, Kylen Granson has been getting the most work with the starters and caught a 20-yard pass from Richardson against Buffalo. The most likely scenario remains a tight end-by-committee approach, and it is hard to feel optimistic about anyone emerging as an impact player.
Defense
Star linebacker Shaq Leonard returned to the field after a nine-month absence. Last November, he had his second back surgery to address a nerve issue that led to numbness in his left leg. “I think (this) was the biggest step,” Leonard said of his preseason playing time. “Just getting back in a game environment, getting my feet, my confidence, everything just back up under me.” The most heated positional battle on the defense is at outside cornerback. Second-year players Darrell Baker Jr Jr. and Dallis Flowers are battling with rookies JuJu Brents and Darius Rush for the starting spots. Rush helped his case with a 52-yard interception return against the Bills.
Returners
Dallis Flowers led the league in kickoff return average last year and will reprise his role in 2023. Veteran returner Isaiah McKenzie is the leading candidate to field punts, though rookie Josh Downs could also see opportunities.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson seems to have a slight but expanding lead in the competition with Gardner Minshew for the starting position in Week 1. Through eight practices, Richardson has taken 83 snaps with the first team compared to 57 for Minshew. Richardson has shown steady improvement and had his best practice to date on Sunday with some beautifully thrown deep balls and clutch runs in the red zone. Linebacker Shaquille Leonard summed up why so many are excited about Richardson. “He’s nice. Very athletic. He has a cannon, and the way the offense is using him is exciting,” said Leonard. “Size-wise, he’s like a Josh Allen. In terms of speed, he’s a 4.4 or 4.5, similar to Lamar Jackson.” The physical skills, combined with new head coach Shane Steichen’s proven ability to get his quarterback involved in designed running plays, give Richardson significant fantasy potential. While Minshew has been efficient and is completing over 75% of his passes through the first couple of weeks of camp, he has also had a few ugly interceptions on poor decisions.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor has spent camp wandering around the field with his face buried in his hoodie, scowling, and barely interacting with anyone. While he has occasionally displayed a little bit of a limp and had surgery on his ankle in January, his absence is almost certainly directly related to his unhappiness with his contract and not an injury. Taylor is in the final year of his rookie deal and is angry that talks about an extension haven’t gone anywhere. He has requested a trade, and this situation has started to get ugly, with Taylor and Colts owner Jim Irsay both venting frustrations on social media. Unfortunately for Taylor, the Colts hold all the cards, given that he is under contract, and the team has the option of a franchise tag next offseason. At some point, cooler heads should prevail, but it is fair to wonder if Taylor will be willing to play through even minor injuries if he does return. There is a real risk that we do not get a fully committed Taylor, even if he does get back on the field in time to accrue a season toward free agency. Who would step in as the lead back should Taylor miss time is unclear. Zack Moss filled in down the stretch last season when Taylor was out but has been sidelined with a broken arm. Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull have been getting reps with the starters, and the team recently bolstered the position by signing Kenyan Drake, who started five games for the Ravens last season. The most likely outcome would be a committee approach should Taylor miss time.
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce have been running as the starters outside with Isaiah McKenzie in the slot. Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, and Mike Strachan have also mixed in with the starters on occasion. Downs is the backup worth watching, as his speed and shiftiness have given the defense fits. He has an outside shot of making a fantasy impact as a rookie if he can beat out McKenzie to start in the slot. Pittman remains the clear top option and is a candidate for a contract extension in the coming weeks. Unlike Taylor, there has been little drama from Pittman regarding his contract talks. “Do I expect (an extension)? I don’t really expect anything, really,” Pittman said. “If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn’t happen, then, yeah, I would play my (rookie contract) out without an extension.” With the franchise tag for wide receivers expected to be approximately $24 million next spring, Pittman has plenty of leverage moving forward.
Tight Ends
With both Jelani Woods (hamstring) and Mo Alie-Cox (ankle) sidelined, the duo of blocking tight end Andrew Ogletree and receiving specialist Kylen Granson have been working with the starters. The team also recently signed Nick Eubanks and Michael Jacobson to bolster the depth. This is a crowded position group with no single player separating from the pack, which could mean a committee approach without a fantasy-relevant option.
Defense
The following 12 players have been getting the majority of the first-team reps early in camp: Dayo Odeyingbo (DE), Taven Bryan (DT), Grover Stewart (DT), Kwity Paye (DE), Zaire Franklin (LB), Shaquille Leonard (LB), E.J. Speed (LB), Tony Brown (NCB), Dallis Flowers (CB), Darrell Baker Jr Jr. (CB), Nick Cross (FS), and Trevor Denbow (SS). Star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is sidelined with a minor foot injury. A pair of rookie cornerbacks, Julius Brents and Jaylon Jones, are making strong pushes behind the starters and could force their way into the starting lineup with continued strong play.
