Following the Indianapolis Colts’ first preseason game, let’s take a temperature check on where several key positional battles now stand.
As far as the overall evaluation process goes when it comes to determining playing time, roles, and who makes the final roster, it’s been a big few days, with the joint practice and preseason game likely carrying more weight.
From the outside looking in, here is where things seem to stand.
Backup quarterback
Shane Steichen has said a few times that the competition between Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard was tight — and it probably still is too close to truly call right now. That said, Richardson had the better outing in New England.
Running back depth
With DJ Giddens sidelined, Seth McGowan seems to be the clear front-runner for the backup role. However, another name to watch is Ulysses Bentley, who could push Giddens for a roster spot. Bentley gives the Colts a pass-catching element out of the backfield.
Wide receiver
Ashton Dulin is probably the favorite to be WR3 right now, and Laquon Treadwell appears to be a player who will be in the mix offensively this season. On the back end of the roster, Anthony Gould seems to hold the advantage over Coleman Owen and Deion Burks. Whoever is the better return man may claim the final roster spot.
Backup center
Dalton Tucker was the starting center against New England with Tanor Bortolini not playing, perhaps telling us that he is the leader in the clubhouse for the backup role.
Defensive end rotation
Arden Key is clearly ahead of Jaylahn Tuimoloau for the starting role — Key did not play against New England. Also, Caden Curry needs more opportunities after his impressive performance in his preseason debut. Tuimoloau, meanwhile, had a quiet night.
Linebacker
CJ Allen and Akeem Davis-Gaither are the likely starters at this point. Bryce Boettcher, Austin Ajiake, and Jaylon Carlies are still fighting for positioning on the depth chart. With so much rotating, it’s difficult to know where those three stand.
Cornerback depth
Based on playing time, Cam Taylor-Britt, Johnathan Edwards, and Mekhi Blackmon seem to pretty clearly be the next three players on the cornerback depth chart after the starters.
Safety
Hunter Wohler saw his share of snaps with the starters early in camp before being sidelined with an injury, but since then, the starting safety role next to Cam Bynum very much seems to belong to AJ Haulcy.
Kicker
Blake Grupe has had the better overall performance, but Spencer Shrader very much made this a competition with his performance in New England.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Where 9 Colts position battles stand after 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
