INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts will open 2024 training camp with veterans reporting Wednesday, July 24, at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana.
Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Can Anthony Richardson stay healthy?
For the Colts to reveal the team they believe they possess, their franchise quarterback needs to be on the field. Sure, that sounds elementary, but Richardson had several injury situations in his short time in the lineup last season that will result in him facing questions until he proves his durability.
Richardson sustained a minor ankle injury in Week 1 of his rookie season a year ago, a concussion in Week 2 and a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5. None of that makes him injury prone, but it certainly is enough to create some nervousness among Colts fans. If Richardson stays on the field in 2024, he did enough in his brief time in the lineup last season to suggest he can significantly elevate what is already a solid Colts offense.
Training camp is a success if ... The Colts can reach a comfort level with their secondary.
The back end of the defense is the area of the roster that poses the most questions for this veteran team, so finding a lineup coaches can be comfortable with will be paramount.
They're relying on youth with players like second-year cornerbacks JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones and third-year safety Nick Cross, who has made just four starts but could be the starting free safety. Another player to watch is Dallis Flowers, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles tear.
The Colts' defensive backs will be under a great deal of scrutiny in training camp, and they're going to have to demonstrate they're up to the task to prevent the Colts from reconsidering the idea of outside additions.
The most compelling position battle: No. 3 WR
The Colts resisted making significant roster changes this offseason, so most jobs are not up for grabs. But there will be a battle for the right to be the No. 3 wide receiver between Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell.
The first point to make is this is a good sign, not an indication that no one has risen to the occasion. Pierce's production was underwhelming last season, but there is hope he can make a bigger impact because of Richardson's willingness to throw the deep balls that Pierce excels at reeling in. Thing is, Mitchell is adept at making those plays, too, and he showed very clearly during offseason practices that he intends to be a factor as a rookie.
The second-round pick from Texas has instantly increased the wide receiver depth, and Pierce will need to act accordingly.
Fiercest fantasy-relevant battle: Backup RB
Whether this actually becomes a "fierce" battle remains to be seen, but we can certainly say the status of things at running back behind star Jonathan Taylor are in flux.
With the departure of veteran backup Zack Moss, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, several Colts backs will be vying for the right to take the snaps Taylor does not. Will one particular player emerge from the group of Trey Sermon, Evan Hull or Tyler Goodson? Or will this end up being a committee situation where multiple players share the role depending on specific situations?
Training camp and the preseason will likely determine that. Only then can one make sensible fantasy decisions at this spot.