The Indianapolis Colts open up the preseason on Thursday on the road, taking on the New England Patriots. On Tuesday, the two teams will take part in a joint practice.
Ahead of this week’s game, the Colts have released their unofficial depth chart. While nothing here is set in stone, it does perhaps provide us with some insights into where key positional battles stand.
Here are 10 takeaways from it.
Wide receiver
With the WR3 role up for grabs, Ashton Dulin is listed as one of the outside starters, along with Alec Pierce. Dulin has seemed to be in control of that positional battle since offseason programs. Laquon Treadwell and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the backups.
Backup center
Jimmy Morrissey is listed as Tanor Bortolini’s backup. He has been competing for that role with Dalton Tucker. Early on, both Morrissey and Tucker experienced their ups and downs.
Backup quarterback
The Colts listed this position as either Riley Leonard “OR” Anthony Richardson. Both quarterbacks will see ample playing time on Thursday.
Backup running back
DJ Giddens is listed ahead of Seth McGowan. That said, McGowan has been able to take advantage of his opportunities, while adding a physical presence to the backfield. This competition is wide open.
Starting defensive end
Arden Key is listed ahead of Jaylahn Tuimoloau. This doesn’t come as a surprise, with Key regularly starting opposite of Laiatu Latu throughout training camp.
Nose tackle
The Colts have Derrick Nnadi listed ahead of Jerry Tillery. These two may end up competing for just one available roster spot at defensive tackle.
Linebackers
Listed as the starting linebackers are Akeem Davis-Gaither and CJ Allen — which isn’t surprising. Allen has been working with the ones since arriving in Indianapolis, while Davis-Gaither has past experience in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Of note, however, Bryce Boettcher — who has seen his share of snaps with the starters — is behind Jaylon Carlies and Austin Ajiake, listed as the fifth linebacker on the depth chart. That placement is peculiar.
Cornerback depth
Behind Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward on the outside are Mekhi Blackmon and Cam Taylor-Britt.
Starting safety
Listed as the starter next to Cam Bynum is AJ Haulcy. Hunter Wohler had been running with the ones early in training camp, but he’s been sidelined as of late with an injury. Free agent signee Juanyeh Thomas is listed as the fourth option at strong safety.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 10 takeaways from Colts unofficial depth chart before first preseason game
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
