The Indianapolis Colts have begun the process of preparing for the 2024 season with training camp kicking off Thursday.
There is plenty of time ahead of the season opener on Sept. 8 for them to figure out the answers to some burning questions they have on the roster.
Some of these questions will be answered during training camp and the preseason. Others may not be answered until after the regular season has concluded.
Here is one burning question for each position heading into Colts training camp:
Burning questions entering Colts training camp
Quarterback: Can Anthony Richardson stay healthy?
Chris Ballard confirmed he isn’t expecting any limitations for Richardson in training camp. The first obstacle for AR is to get through camp and the preseason games unharmed, something he did as a rookie. The biggest test for AR is when the games get real if he finishes games and remains in the lineup for all 17 games.
Running Back: Who will back up Jonathan Taylor?
During Chris Ballard’s press conference, he brought up competitions that he’s got his eyes on and the RB2 spot on the depth chart is one of them. This role will come down to Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Tyler Goodson. Unless Zavier Scott or Trent Pennix make a strong case this preseason.
Wide Receiver: Who is the opening day starter at X-receiver?
One of the storylines to follow at the Colts training camp is the battle between Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell for the X-receiver role. Both players are expected to be steady contributors to the offense regardless of who wins the battle but it is still intriguing to see who is on the field when the offense takes the field for the first time in Week 1.
Tight End: Will all five tight ends make the 53-man roster?
It is a congested lane for the tight ends to get snaps this season. Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Mo-Alie Cox, Will Mallory, and Drew Ogletree each bring a skill set where they can be a part of the offense. The question is if carrying five tight ends on the 53-man roster is more valuable than having depth in a different position group.
Offensive Tackle: Who wins the swing tackle role?
The swing tackle role is another competition that Chris Ballard mentioned. Ideally, the Colts won’t have to show who wins that role unless it is confirmed to the media but with Braden Smith’s injury history, chances are they will need the swing tackle to perform this season. This role will be between Blake Freeland and Matt Goncalves unless Jake Witt can outperform both this preseason.
Interior Offensive Line: Who wins the backup center role to Ryan Kelly?
Another backup role on the offensive line that Indianapolis may have to lean on this season is at center. Ryan Kelly has finished a full schedule just once in the last four years. This spot on the depth chart will come down to Tanor Bortolini, Wesley French, and Danny Pinter.
Edge Rusher: Can this group deliver on their talent?
The strongest position group for the Colts is their edge rushers. They are headlined by Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Laiatu Latu. An under-the-radar X-factor for the Indy defense is new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. He will be tasked with getting this talented group to reach their ceiling.
Interior Defensive Line: Are the backups trustworthy?
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are two important pieces to the Indy defense. But the pair can’t play 100% of the snaps and there is always the possibility of them missing time due to an injury. Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Eric Johnson II, Taven Bryan, and Jonah Laulu have an opportunity to earn that trust throughout the preseason.
Linebacker: Who is the LB3 on the depth chart?
The backup middle linebacker spot on the depth chart is another competition Chris Ballard is keeping his eye on. With Ronnie Harrison Jr. appearing to move back to safety, this battle will likely be between Segun Olubi and Jaylon Carlies. But with this being an open competition, Grant Stuard, Cameron McGrone, Liam Anderson, Craig Young, and Austin Ajaike will be looking to impress during the preseason.
Cornerback: Which players will dominate the snaps on boundary?
This question might not find its answer until at some point at the beginning of the season after Chris Ballard says the secondary picture is going to take some time. JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, and Dallis Flowers are the players looking to lock in the two starting boundary cornerback spots on the depth chart. Rookie Jaylin Simpson will also have a chance to make his case during camp.
Safety: Who is the opening day starter at free safety?
To start training camp, Chris Ballard is betting on Nick Cross having his breakout season or Rodney Thomas II returning to the player we saw during his rookie season. As mentioned, Ronnie Harrison Jr. appears to be in the mix for the starting free safety role. If nobody emerges from the trio, Ballard did leave the door open to signing a veteran before the season.
