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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
One of the underlying themes throughout camp and the preseason is the sense that the team will only know how effective the offense can be with Anthony Richardson once he is unleashed as a runner. The coaching staff has wisely limited his designed runs and potential for injury in meaningless action. To use a golf analogy, it is like playing a round without any drivers in your bag. The offensive production with Richardson operating almost exclusively as a passer has been mixed at best. He had a nightmare of a joint scrimmage against a Bengals defense that was unimpressed and letting him know about it. "That's all he does is run," Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt said. "He only throws to spots, he doesn't throw to receivers," safety Geno Stone added.
Indianapolis struggled to move the ball against the starters, and Richardson sometimes seemed flustered. He was asked about the comments later in the week. "People have been talking my whole life," Richardson said. "It just adds fuel to the fire. I’m going to do me and keep doing me." After the joint practice, Richardson looked to bounce back with an extended stretch of preseason playing time against a Bengals defense that held out all starters and most key backups. Things began swimmingly. He led an 80-yard drive, completing 7-of-8 passes for 65 yards and finishing it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell. It was an impressive display. Unfortunately, most of what followed was a disaster. He completed just one pass and managed a single first down throughout the next four drives. There was an ugly pick-six, too. Head coach Shane Steichen did not seem too concerned. “Guys are going to miss throws. I don't care if you're a second-year player or a 15-year veteran,” he said. “I don't have any concerns. He's going to make some huge plays for us this year. I think it's also going to be fun to watch.”
Joe Flacco showed well against the Bengals in the joint scrimmage. He gives the Colts a strong plan B should anything happen to Richardson. Sam Ehlinger is unlikely to make the 53-man roster but should stick around on the practice squad if he does not get snapped up by another team.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor saw live action in the preseason finale, running four times for 15 yards. He is fully healthy and should handle a heavy workload. Fortunately, he’s had no issues with concussions in recent seasons but is one of the few prominent players considering wearing a Guardian cap during the regular season. "I'm going to sit down and evaluate it," Taylor said of the extra padding. "It's limited snaps; who knows what happens in the regular season. (But) I'm seeing how many snaps I can get with it on to see if there were any glaring issues."
It is unclear how long Trey Sermon’s hamstring injury will keep him sidelined. James Boyd of The Athletic even floated the possibility that Sermon could start the season on injured reserve to open up a roster spot for someone else during the first four weeks. This seems unlikely. On Sunday, Sermon was spotted getting work in on a side field with trainers, which is a good sign the hamstring injury is not overly serious. The next man up behind Sermon is Evan Hull. He has a well-rounded game and could earn some work on obvious passing downs even after Sermon returns. Tyler Goodson should stick as the fourth running back. He led Indy on the ground in the preseason finale with 13 carries for 57 yards and had a pair of receptions for 10 yards.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
When Josh Downs went down with a high ankle sprain on August 7th, it was reported he was likely to miss four to six weeks. If the timeline remains accurate, he is one to three weeks away from returning to the field. The expectation is a return sometime in early September. He was recently spotted at the facility without a walking boot for the first time, indicating his recovery is on track. When healthy, Downs should be the No. 2 receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. With Downs out, rookie Adonai Mitchell has been taking most of the starter snaps out of the slot. He is still raw. There was an ugly play in the preseason finale where Mitchell and Richardson were not on the same page. Postgame coach comments indicated Mitchell was at fault for not adjusting his route to the coverage. With that being said, his talent leaps off the screen. There may not be enough targets for him to make much of a fantasy impact as a rookie. Pittman, Downs, Mitchell, and Alec Pierce should be the top four receivers, with Pittman and Downs dominating target share. Behind the top four, Anthony Gould is a roster lock due to his special teams ability and impressive flashes as a deep threat. The final spot should be either Ashton Dulin or D.J. Montgomery.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The team is expected to keep four tight ends on the final roster. Kylen Granson leads the way in what should be a deep rotation. Granson and Anthony Richardson were not on the same page early against Cincinnati, leading to an interception returned for a touchdown. Blocking specialist Andrew Ogletree is in the mix for playing time. He had a drop in the end zone on the opening drive. Mo Alie-Cox and Will Mallory will also be involved. Jelani Woods underwent toe surgery last week and will be sidelined for four months. The injury may extend Woods’ tenure in Indianapolis, as the team may put him on IR rather than cutting him.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies has performed well in coverage throughout the preseason. He has positioned himself for early playing time alongside starters E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin. The big story for the defense continues to be the outstanding play of rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu. He notched his first official preseason sack and once again generated a tremendous amount of pressure. He looks like a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender. Indianapolis is inexperienced at cornerback, with Kenny Moore the only proven option. Youngsters JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones are the favorites for the other two starting spots.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Josh Downs has missed the last few weeks with an ankle injury, though he could still return for Week 1. He’s the team’s top choice for punt returns, though rookie Anthony Gould can also fill in if Downs is still ailing. Dallis Flowers should return kickoffs.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
It was a quiet week for Anthony Richardson. Due to inclement weather, he did not take many reps in joint practices against the Cardinals. Richardson got off to a slow start in practice against Arizona but ended on a high note with a long touchdown drive in the two-minute offense. “I think that’s one of his strengths when we play fast,” said head coach Shane Steichen. “Whether it’s two-minute or on-the-ball stuff, he handles that really well.” In terms of overall impressions of Richardson’s performance through the dozen training camp practices, Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter summed up the vibe well by saying he felt "optimistic upside." Cooter noted that there is added difficulty in evaluating Richardson’s effectiveness because they are protecting him from taking hits and limiting his running. So even when the offense has been stopped, it is unclear if the outcome would have been different if Richardson was fully unleashed. Richardson and backup Joe Flacco were held out of the Week 2 preseason game against Arizona. Sam Ehlinger received the start and is the No. 3 quarterback but is likely on the outside looking in to make the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor is fully healthy and the unquestioned leader of the backfield. As with Richardson, the team is protecting him by limiting his workload in camp. Trey Sermon had clearly emerged as the top backup, but his short-term status has been thrown into question due to a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason opener. It is unclear how long Sermon will be out, and his injury increases the chances the Colts will keep four running backs on the 53-man roster. The injury to Sermon has helped clarify the pecking order behind him. Evan Hull saw “extended work” with the second-team offense with Sermon out. He had spent most of the camp rotating with Tyler Goodson while running with the third team. Both Hull and Goodson are on track to make the team. Trent Pennix generated some early buzz but suffered a groin injury and was cut.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Kevin Bowen of 93.5 The Fan has been tracking Richardson’s stats throughout the offseason. Through 12 days of camp, Richardson finished 83-of-126 in team drills, completing his passes to Michael Pittman Jr. (22), Alec Pierce (11), Josh Downs (10), Kylen Granson (9), AD Mitchell (9), Jonathan Taylor (7), Mo Alie-Cox (4), Trey Sermon (4), and a handful of others with two or fewer catches. It is worth noting that Downs has missed about half of the practices. At the time of his injury, he was right there with Pittman. Otherwise, this completion breakdown gives a good idea of the target pecking order. Pittman is the top target. When healthy, Downs is the clear No. 2 option. Behind the top two, targets have been spread widely enough that it will be hard for any other non-running backs to earn fantasy relevance.
Downs should return sometime between Week 1 and Week 3. According to Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star, Downs was “enjoying perhaps the biggest training camp of any offensive player.” Adonai Mitchell is the only other receiver with a decent chance of emerging into a significant role. He began camp splitting X-receiver snaps with Pierce. However, he has made a strong transition to the slot as the injury replacement for Downs. "A lot of young guys in this league at any position, you’ve got to be really careful as a coaching staff, moving them around into multiple roles. Sometimes for young guys, for rookies, you really want them to learn their role and be really good at that," Cooter said. "But AD (Mitchell) possesses the ability to learn all that stuff and do it really, really well. He's really on top of things mentally… AD is really, really sharp with that. So, we feel comfortable moving him around." "You can put anybody in the slot," Steichen said. "It’s all about what route concept you're running and where you want certain guys. Those guys are all interchangeable. That'll happen throughout the year. We'll move guys inside, outside. You'll see guys all over the place.” If Mitchell can hold onto some slot snaps even after Downs returns, it would boost his stock. “He's a dawg," Richardson said of Mitchell. "If you give him the ball, he's going to make a play. We throw it up for him, he’s going to make a play." Anthony Gould and Ashton Dulin are in line to serve as the fifth and sixth wide receivers.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox are the only tight ends with more than a couple of catches from Anthony Richardson over the first three weeks of camp. Granson will likely lead the position in catches, but this will be a committee with Granson, Alie-Cox, Will Mallory, and Drew Ogletree each rotating in. James Boyd of The Athletic believes Jelani Woods will not make the team, noting, “[Woods] hasn’t done anything to separate himself from the pack. He’s been inconsistent throughout camp and has rarely received first-team reps. Indy clearly doesn’t have a true No. 1 tight end, and Woods, for all of his athletic gifts, has failed to show he can be relied upon.”
Preseason Updates: Defense
Safety Nick Cross turned in his best performance of the summer, tallying five tackles, including a tackle for loss, in just over a quarter of action against the Cardinals. It was enough for him to lock up the starting free safety job alongside Julian Blackmon. There had been some buzz that the Colts could pursue Justin Simmons, but he signed this week with the Falcons. Aside from the players like Cross battling for starting jobs, all the other starters were held out against Arizona, with one exception: Dayo Odeyingbo. After a breakout 2023 season with eight sacks, Odeyingbo seemed locked in as a starter. However, he was out there getting snaps deep into the fourth quarter. It is a sign he may be in the doghouse.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
Left guard Quenton Nelson (6x Pro Bowl) had an injury-plagued campaign in 2022 but bounced back last season to elite form. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann has developed nicely and is stepping forward to become an above-average pass protector. Will Fries is also an underrated player, quietly ranking among the league's better run blockers. Center Ryan Kelly and right tackle Braden Smith have had their share of injury issues, but both are healthy. The team drafted rookies Tanor Bortolini (Round 4 - Wisconsin) and Matt Goncalves (Round 3 – Pitt) behind them. This Colts' group ranks 4th overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson made his preseason debut on Sunday after some time away from in-game action, and he looked a bit rusty. Richardson went 2-for-4 for 25 yards and rushed for just one yard over two drives. The first drive was a three-and-out, with two incomplete passes, one of which was a poor throw that should have been intercepted. On the next drive, Richardson completed a short dump-off to tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who turned it into a 19-yard gain. However, the Colts were forced to punt three plays later, ending Richardson’s day. While it wasn’t the debut many hoped for, it’s important not to overreact to just a few plays. Backup Joe Flacco took over for one drive, looking solid as he led the team down the field for a field goal. Backups Jason Bean, Sam Ehlinger, and Kedon Slovis also played against Denver, but it’s unclear if any of them have a shot at the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor played every snap with the starting offense and wore a Guardian cap on his helmet, possibly as a precaution against concussions. Assuming he stays healthy, Taylor will handle a heavy workload in 2024. Trey Sermon has emerged as the clear No. 2 but suffered a hamstring injury against the Broncos. After the first Indianapolis drive, Sermon was examined in the injury tent but returned to the game briefly before trainers pulled him again. His return suggests the injury is likely minor. Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull are third and fourth on the depth chart. Goodson took over for Sermon, handling running back duties for the rest of the first quarter and part of the second. Undrafted rookie Trent Pennix, who has generated some positive buzz in camp, left the game with a groin injury in the second half.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Josh Downs had been one of the offensive standouts throughout camp and was the clear second option in the passing game behind Michael Pittman Jr. His hot start made his high ankle sprain even more frustrating, with recovery estimates ranging from four to six weeks, putting his Week 1 availability in doubt. Downs’ injury opened the door for Adonai Mitchell to step into the starting lineup as the slot receiver. Nate Atkins of the Indy Star reported that Mitchell looked “decently comfortable” in the slot. Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce played all seven snaps as the outside wide receivers with the starters against the Broncos. Mitchell (five snaps) and Anthony Gould (two snaps) played early with Richardson. Mitchell took all the slot snaps on first and second downs, while Gould replaced him on third downs. Gould is a roster lock due to his return skills and is climbing the depth chart.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Although Anthony Richardson played only seven snaps, three tight ends played with him against the Broncos. Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox each played three snaps while blocking specialist Drew Ogletree played one snap. As expected, the team appears set to use a rotational committee based on situational subpackages.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The starting defensive ends on Sunday were Tyquan Lewis and Kwity Paye, but the standout performer was Laiatu Latu. The rookie was consistently disruptive and looked like an instant-impact pass rusher. The Broncos occasionally double-teamed him and used chip blocks, which is a clear sign of his pass-rush prowess. The Colts are still searching for answers at safety. Nick Cross, one of the leading candidates to start at free safety, made an unnecessary tackle in a seven-on-seven drill that injured Josh Downs and earned the ire of Head Coach Shane Steichen. "I had a conversation with Nick after practice that I'll keep private," Steichen said, "but the bottom line is it's a 7-on-7 period, and we've got to stay up." Julian Blackmon has been the primary starter at strong safety but continues to get reps at free safety as the Colts experiment with different combinations to shore up this defensive weakness.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Josh Downs (punts) and Dallis Flowers (kickoffs) were the top options to handle returns, but Downs suffered a high ankle sprain last Wednesday, opening the door for fifth-round rookie Anthony Gould to impress the coaches in his absence.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson has experienced ups and downs early in camp, which is unsurprising given he just turned 22 and had limited snaps as a rookie due to injury. There have been occasional overthrows, but he has also thrown some gorgeous deep balls. Richardson’s huge arm will allow the Colts to add a more vertical element to the offense. Richardson’s health and the plan to keep him on the field moving forward have been a major topic of conversation. Does Richardson need to change his playing style? “He has to seize the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself also,” Colts owner Jim Irsay noted. While there has been a coaching emphasis on reminding Richardson to avoid unnecessary contact, there has been zero indication that Indianapolis will significantly dial back his usage as a runner. “People ask this, too, a lot and it’s like, ‘Hey, are you going to limit the run game?’” head coach Shane Steichen asked rhetorically. “I kind of think like, ‘Shoot, are you going to limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers?’ Well, (running) is one of Anthony’s strengths. We’re not going to get away from that.” Richardson’s rushing upside is as high as any quarterback in the league. “My legs (have) always been one of my superpowers,” Richardson said. “So, trying to take that away from me, I don’t think that’s a good thing for this offense. It’s just more so me learning how to take care of myself for my teammates. Knowing when to make the right play and knowing when to try to get an extra few yards.” Behind Richardson, Joe Flacco has quickly settled in as the backup and gives Indianapolis a strong Plan B should Richardson miss any time with injury.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Star running back Jonathan Taylor shared the field alongside Richardson for just two snaps last season. Taylor started 2023 on the PUP list with an ankle injury, and when he returned, Richardson was injured almost immediately. The duo could be a nightmare for opposing defenses. “It’s the speed that they bring, and that’s really exciting,” noted Colts owner Jim Irsay. “We know what Jonathan can do, and both of them together can be a really dangerous combination from a big-play standpoint.” Taylor expects to benefit from Richardson’s presence. “That’s why it’s so exciting because it’s almost like there’s a whole new element now,” Taylor said. “You’re not just worrying about what I’m doing. It’s like, ‘You better worry about this guy because if not, he’s gonna kill you.’” Trey Sermon has a solid lead in the RB2 battle. Should anything happen to Taylor, Sermon should be an impact fantasy performer. The battle for the role of third-down pass-catching specialist is tight, but Evan Hull should be viewed as the favorite over Tyler Goodson. Trent Pennix, an undrafted rookie who is attempting to make the transition from college tight end to NFL running back, has been a pleasant surprise. While he is still a long shot to make the team, he has done enough to earn a spot on the practice squad at least.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman Jr signed a lucrative long-term extension in the spring and returns as the top wide receiver for the Colts. Wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne has challenged him to take on more of a leadership role. “We know you can play. We know you can ball. Let’s elevate our game to a whole different stratosphere,” said Wayne. While Pittman remains the top receiving option, the gap between him and second-year breakout candidate Josh Downs may not be very big. Through the first six practices, Downs (nine) had just one fewer catch than Pittman (ten) in team drills with the starting unit. Downs has also been getting more snaps outside. Wayne wants to see Downs become more of a “full receiver.” The hottest camp battle in Indianapolis has been between Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell for the role of WR3. Mitchell will likely win the role eventually, but Pierce is not going down without a fight. Pierce has put together a string of strong practice performances and is currently running ahead of Mitchell. “The excitement that I’m feeling for Alec right now in this camp is like no other because, honestly, Alec ain’t never really had to compete,” Wayne said. “When he got here, he was kind of given the third receiver chair, and then last year, he was given the second receiver chair. Now, you got somebody pushing him. The guy has really never really hit his stride,” Wayne said of Pierce. “I think this is his time.” Camp has been a mixed bag for Mitchell. His highlights have come more in one-on-one drills than in full-team scrimmages, which is a potential indication the talent is there, but the knowledge of the offense is not quite there yet. “I definitely gotta start (from) scratch with him," Wayne said of Mitchell. “But I tell you what, man, the guy is smart. He loves to compete. He’s an alpha. … I need all the dogs I can get.” Anthony Gould should make his biggest impact as a returner. However, his speed and ability to track the ball on deep routes have also stood out.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The tight end room is unlikely to produce a fantasy difference-maker. Kylen Granson is the early favorite to lead the group, but this is shaping up to be a committee. Jelani Woods, Mo Alie-Cox, Will Mallory, and Drew Ogletree are battling for snaps in what may end up being a four-man rotation.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Defensive end Samson Ebukam tore his Achilles during a training camp practice and is expected to miss the upcoming season. The injury to Ebukam puts more pressure on rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu to make an immediate impact. Fortunately for Indianapolis, Latu has looked up to the task. His speed off the edge and natural pass-rushing ability have been on full display while harassing Richardson. Latu has double-digit sack upside as a rookie. Linebacker E.J. Speed has had a strong camp and pairs well with Zaire Franklin in the base defense. Julian Blackmon has been the biggest standout in an unproven secondary. He has been lining up primarily at strong safety but may also factor into the open competition at free safety.
