The Colts got back to work Saturday for their 10th training camp practice, and the red-zone period put the passing game front and center.
Daniel Jones connected on a pair of highlight throws in close, including touchdown strikes to Tyler Warren and Josh Downs. Both catches came in traffic and both required the kind of elevated finish that usually matters once the field shrinks.
Downs’ score came with a catch that left him limping afterward. Jones also found Laquon Treadwell for a touchdown on a strong throw.
The Colts spent much of the session emphasizing passing work in the red zone, where completions naturally get harder to come by. Even so, Jones was sharp enough to stack a few quality plays during the period.
On the sideline, special teams coordinator Brian Mason was back coaching despite the serious knee injury he suffered at the end of Thursday’s game. Mason is wearing a large brace on his left knee, but he is still standing and working with the team.
Saturday’s practice also came with a longer injury list after Thursday’s preseason opener. Running back DJ Giddens and linebacker CJ Allen remained out with lingering hamstring injuries, while cornerback Charvarius Ward was not on hand after not traveling to New England because of a back injury.
Offensive lineman Luke Tenuta, who was hurt Thursday night with a knee injury, was also sidelined. The Colts were additionally without receiver Anthony Gould, offensive linemen Jalen Farmer and Nolan Rucci, and defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi.
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Colts Suddenly Face A Week 1 Concern After Frightening Sideline Injury
The final play of the preseason turned costly for the Colts when special teams coordinator Brian Mason was hurt on the sideline after colliding with two players. Head coach Shane Steichen said Mason is being evaluated for his knee, and the injury immediately created a concern for a unit that is already trying to settle in before Week 1.
Early reports suggest the damage could be serious, which only adds to the uncertainty around how Indianapolis will handle the days ahead. For now, the Colts are waiting on more information, with no clear timetable yet on how long Mason might be out or how the staff will adjust if he has to miss time. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Kicker Battle Just Got More Interesting After Preseason Opener
The Colts opened preseason play against the Patriots with a tie, and the most watched part of the afternoon may have been the kicking game. Spencer Shrader handled his opportunities well, including a pair of long field goals that gave Indianapolis something to think about as the competition at kicker starts to take shape. On a day when teams are still sorting through roster spots and special teams roles, Shraders clean work stood out, especially with Coleman Owen also making his mark in the return game.
Special teams, of course, is often where those summer battles get decided on the margins, and Indianapolis saw both encouraging signs and a few rough spots in the opener. The Colts got useful contributions from multiple players in that phase, but they also had an untimely penalty that erased a big return and underscored how quickly one mistake can change the conversation. For Shrader and the rest of the specialists, the next preseason game now carries a little more weight than it did before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]