Training camp for the Indianapolis Colts begins on July 29 and, of course, there will be plenty to keep our eyes on over the next month of practices and preseason games.
We recently highlighted 10 things to watch on offense and another 12 to watch on defense.
But what are the big storylines? The things that will grab our attention from the start of training camp to the end?
We detailed what those topics are and why they matter.
Daniel Jones’ return
Jones said that he will be a full participant in training camp practices from the jump. Through 10 games last season, Jones was one of the most productive quarterbacks in football, leading a high-scoring Colts’ offense.
But how quickly can he return to form? Or how close can he come to producing at that level again? The Colts face a daunting schedule to start the season; Jones being able to hit the ground running will be vital.
Competition at wide receiver
With Michael Pittman in Pittsburgh, the battle for the third starting wide receiver is still taking place. The early front-runner for those snaps appears to be Ashton Dulin, but also in the mix could be Laquon Treadwell, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Deion Burks.
I also wouldn’t rule out the Colts taking a committee approach with this role, with the matchups and in-game situations dictating who is on the field.
A lot of turnover on defense
While the Colts’ offense will look largely the same from a personnel standpoint, the defense underwent fairly heavy turnover this offseason, and with that, the Colts could end up relying quite a bit on first-year or relatively inexperienced starters.
Jaylahn Tuimoloau could end up starting opposite of Laiatu Latu — and even if Arden Key ends up as the starter, he’s a new addition.
CJ Allen is the projected starting MIKE linebacker, and next to him will either be fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher or free agent signee Akeem Davis-Gaither. AJ Haulcy is the frontrunner to start at safety next to Cam Bynum, while Justin Walley will be a first-time starter at the nickel.
That’s a lot of change, so how quickly can this group gel?
How does the pass rush unit perform?
The name of the game is getting after the quarterback, and the Colts’ defensive front as a whole has to do a better job of that this season. While Laiatu Latu was quite productive, around him there was a lack of pass rush juice in 2025, with Indianapolis ranking 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric.
As mentioned, Tuimoloau and Key will be competing for the starting role, but whether or not either can provide a high-impact presence remains to be seen. The rotational depth at defensive end is an unknown as well. Outside of DeForest Buckner at defensive tackle, who can emerge to consistently provide that secondary pass rush presence?
Improved play in this phase of the game will go a long way in determining how good the entire Colts’ defense can be.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 4 key storylines to watching during Colts training camp
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
