Three practices into training camp, the Colts are already living by a simple directive from principal owner Carly Irsay-Gordon: find a way.
That message has been hanging over Grand Park since she addressed the team early in camp, and it showed up again Friday as veterans, rookies and quarterbacks all tried to make the most of their chances. For some, that means fighting for a bigger role. For others, it means proving they belong at all.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is one of the veterans trying to turn opportunity into something bigger. Signed by Indianapolis in March, the receiver has been given a real shot to claim the third starting spot after the Colts traded away Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason. On Friday, he logged plenty of work with both the first- and second-team offense, and he made the most of the looks coming his way.
His best moment came during the opening 11-on-11 period. Daniel Jones held the ball a beat too long but still trusted the throw, and Westbrook-Ikhine adjusted on the fly.
Seeing he was about to run past the spot, he climbed over the back of standout cornerback Justin Walley, secured the catch, landed cleanly and sprinted into the end zone. It was the kind of contested grab that fit the day’s theme perfectly.
Jones later found Westbrook-Ikhine again on a comeback route, and the veteran added shorter catches throughout practice. He also caught passes from Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard while working with the second unit.
The competition for snaps is just as active on defense. First-round pick C.J.
Allen returned to practice after being activated from the physically unable to perform list and jumped right into the starting defense next to fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher. Rookie safety A.J.
Haulcy kept earning work with the second-team defense and also got chances with the starters. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said the plan is to roll with certain guys on certain days, another sign that the rotation will keep shifting as camp goes on.
Richardson had his own chance to answer the moment. Now entering his fourth NFL season and battling Leonard for the backup quarterback job, he delivered the most explosive play of the day while running the third-team offense.
He sold the play-action fake, then launched a deep ball down the far right sideline to Sahmir Hagans, who never slowed down and hauled in the 50-yard touchdown. The play drew what was likely the biggest crowd reaction of the week at Grand Park, and it was a reminder of the one trait Richardson still flashes at a high level: that cannon for an arm.
But the day wasn’t clean for him. Richardson also had trouble handling the snap, dropping two and bobbling at least three more. Two straight mishandled snaps ended the final team period, a rough finish after the kind of highlight that can still turn heads.
Running back Seth McGowan kept building buzz as well. Fans around camp have been talking about how shifty the rookie looks, and Friday gave them more to point to.
Working with the starting offense, McGowan showed quick feet and sharp cuts that repeatedly opened space. The pads aren’t on yet, so defenders are naturally backing off a bit before contact, but his burst and ability to make people miss have been hard to miss through the first three practices.
Every rep is another chance to earn trust, climb the depth chart and find a way onto the field. The Colts close out the first week of camp Saturday, with practice set for 4 p.m.
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