The Colts left Thursday night’s 13-13 preseason tie with the Patriots without a win or a loss, but they did come away with something just as valuable: a clearer picture of one tight end battle that suddenly looks a lot more interesting.
With training camp nearing its end, Indianapolis is running out of time to sort through roster questions. And among the most eye-opening developments against New England was the play of Will Mallory, who may have made a real case to climb the depth chart.
At the moment, the Colts list Tyler Warren first at tight end, followed by Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree. Mallory sits fourth, but his first preseason action suggested that spot might not hold for long.
That’s no small jump to make. For Mallory to move from fourth to second, he would have to earn it outright.
Alie-Cox has been a dependable backup for years, a veteran the Colts have leaned on because he blocks well and has provided steady depth behind the starting tight end. Still, Indianapolis has also kept him on one-year deals, and this could easily be his last season with the team.
If that’s the case, Mallory may be pushing the timeline forward.
Against the Patriots, Mallory caught six passes for 80 yards, including a 19-yard grab, and led all Colts pass catchers. The stat line was strong enough on its own, but the performance went beyond that. He looked sharp in route running and kept winning his matchups.
It’s still just one preseason game, and there’s no need to make too much of it. Even so, it was Mallory’s best preseason showing since his rookie year. He also brings more upside and a higher ceiling than either Alie-Cox or Ogletree, who are both better known for their blocking than their receiving.
If Mallory turns in another outing like that, the Colts may have to give him a much bigger look. Shane Steichen may not be ready to reshuffle the tight end room just yet, but Thursday night gave Mallory a real opening - and put some pressure on the veterans in front of him.
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