INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts report for training camp on Tuesday in Westfield, Indiana. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: How fast of a timeline can rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson handle?
The Colts have made no effort to hide the fact that the fourth overall draft pickis going to be the starting quarterback in the near future. The only question is whether that happens in Week 1 of the NFL season or if it’s put on hold.
The presence of veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew -- who has some mastery of coach Shane Steichen’s offense because they spent the 2022 season together in Philadelphia -- gives the Colts some options. They don’t have to press Richardson into the starting lineup immediately. But the quarterbacks split reps during offseason practices and there was a fair amount of inconsistency from both.
If Minshew doesn’t clearly separate himself from Richardson, the rookie’s unique running ability could tip the scales in Richardson’s direction sooner than later.
Most compelling position battle: Keep an eye on the tight ends
The Colts will undoubtedly play several players here, but they have numerous candidates capable of contributing -- even if none of them are considered stars at their position.
Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods and rookie Will Mallory could be competing for as few as three active-roster spots. Throw in veteran journeyman Pharaoh Brown and the expected return of 2022 camp standout Andrew Ogletree -- who missed his rookie season last year after knee surgery -- and the competition gets even more heated.
The Colts have been among the NFL teams generating the most production from the tight end position in recent years. Indianapolis is top 10 in receiving yards, receptions and targets to tight ends since 2018. The Colts will look to keep that going under Steichen, who hopes to feature the position in his offense.
Player with the most to prove: Bernhard Raimann, LT
The Colts see the left tackle as the team’s future at the position and reinforced that with statements throughout the offseason. Their belief in the 2022 third-round pick did not waver despite his inconsistency last season, when he initially struggled to adapt to NFL speed rushers while protecting immobile quarterback Matt Ryan.
Now, Raimann has to show a return on the confidence the Colts have placed in him. He’ll need to be a more reliable pass protector in 2023, when the entire Colts’ offensive line will be under a microscope. The success of Richardson is directly linked to how well the offensive line recovers from a subpar season.
Biggest wild card: Shaquille Leonard , LB
The status of the All-Pro linebacker has become a recurring offseason topic for the Colts. This marks the third consecutive summer Indianapolis has entered camp with uncertainty about the health of its defensive star.
Leonard appeared in just three games last season, limited mostly by lingering nerve issues in his back and lower leg. An initial surgery performed in the summer of 2022 didn’t solve the issue and Leonard underwent another procedure in November. He missed all of the team’s offseason practices and his status entering camp remains a mystery.
It's difficult to envision the Colts making a big leap on defense without the usual contributions of their biggest defensive playmaker and producer of turnovers. Once again, Leonard’s health is one of the biggest questions facing the Colts.