The Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Atlanta Falcons for Week 2 of the NFL preseason. With wins and losses taking a back seat this time of the year, our attention turns to individual performances with playing time and roster spots up for grabs.
So who should we have our eyes on during Saturday’s game? Here are several players to watch for.
QB Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson
Of course, all eyes will be on the backup quarterback battle. After Richardson started last week, it’s now Leonard’s turn. Head coach Shane Steichen mentioned after Thursday’s joint practice that both players have flashed this summer, but each has had their ups and downs as well. Steichen added that there is no timetable for when he will make a final decision will be made. Presumably the competition is quite close, but perhaps there’s a little extra pressure on Leonard to perform against Atlanta, with Richardson having the better outing against New England.
Backup offensive line unit
We haven’t talked much about the offensive line unit, but beyond the starters, there are questions up front for the Colts. For one, can Dalton Tucker provide a steady presence at center if needed? He’s had quite a few off-target snaps this summer. Also, who will be the top tackle option off the bench? It looked like Luke Tenuta would fill that role, but he has missed time as of late with a knee injury. UDFA Nolan Rucci has been sidelined as well.
Pass rush depth
Whether or not the Colts can generate steady pressure on the quarterback remains to be seen. Last week we saw flashes from rookie George Gumbs, while Caden Curry was a standout performer. However, Micheal Clemons and Jaylahn Tuimoloau had quiet nights. If Curry can continue to consistently be disruptive, he deserves the opportunity to compete for more regular rotational snaps.
LB Jaylon Carlies
Will Carlies play? Last week he did and performed quite well. During practices this past week, he saw steady opportunities with the starters. Carlies appears to be in the mix for real playing time. If on the field, he’ll have the opportunity to further cement his role at the linebacker position. If he doesn’t play, along with the rest of the starters, that will be quite telling as well.
Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader
Grupe has the clear advantage in this battle in terms of makes and misses. The one upper hand Shrader holds right now is his preseason performance from last week. A good showing by Grupe and he could potentially put this competition away.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 5 players to watch for in Colts v. Falcons preseason game
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
