The Colts are back on the practice field Thursday for their second joint workout with the Falcons, and this one should tell a lot more about where several roster battles stand.
Joint practices have become a key part of how teams evaluate and prep, because the setting looks and feels more like a real game than a normal camp session. For coaches, those reps can carry real weight. For players, they can be the difference between staying in the mix and slipping down the board.
Quarterback always deserves attention, but there are plenty of other names worth tracking as Indianapolis goes through this one.
CJ Allen is one of the more intriguing players to watch. The rookie linebacker has already turned heads during his time with the Colts, even though injuries have limited how often he’s been able to get on the field.
He appears to have picked up Lou Anarumo’s defense quickly, but he still needs those live reps. For any rookie, and especially one dealing with a shortened camp, every snap matters.
The defensive tackle battle is another situation worth monitoring closely. Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery are effectively fighting for one roster spot, at least based on the Colts’ unofficial depth chart, where both are listed behind Grover Stewart as backup nose tackle options.
It’s not even a guarantee that either one makes the team. Neither separated himself in the preseason opener, and with the possibility that Indianapolis keeps only four defensive tackles, Thursday and Saturday could go a long way in shaping that decision.
Ulysses Bentley has also put himself in a good spot. With DJ Giddens out because of a hamstring injury, Bentley has gotten more chances, and he’s made the most of them.
What has really helped him stand out is his work as a pass catcher, which is something this backfield could use more of. He’s not just filling reps - he’s giving the staff something different to notice.
At kicker, Spencer Shrader is running out of room for error. He did have a solid preseason opener, but Blake Grupe has been more consistent in practice, and the make-miss gap is already significant. At this point, it feels like Shrader needs a strong stretch to keep the competition from slipping away.
Wide receiver brings another interesting decision. Laquon Treadwell and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine may both be on the outside looking in after the addition of Keenan Allen.
Treadwell has generally been ahead of Westbrook-Ikhine on the depth chart and brings special teams value. Westbrook-Ikhine, though, has shown more playmaking ability.
Then there’s Caden Curry, who made a strong impression in the Colts’ preseason game against the Patriots. He flashed in a little bit of everything, which is exactly the kind of outing that gets attention.
The challenge now is stacking that kind of performance again and again. With the Colts still sorting through their pass-rush depth, another strong showing could earn him more chances.
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Kenny Moores Colts Exit Is Looking Riskier By The Day
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Justin Walley has been one of the names benefiting from that shift, drawing attention in training camp and looking like the player the Colts are lining up to replace Moore. For Moore, the next step has been less certain, as he remains unsigned and is working out locally to stay ready while he waits for the right opportunity to open up. [Read more 🡒]