The Indianapolis Colts 11th training camp practice featured the longest, most intense team period yet as the scene felt more like a scrimmage during the 25-minute live session to finish Sunday’s workout at Grand Park. The most encouraging sign was witnessing Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson be a full participant in team sessions this weekend after suffering a dislocated pinky just six snaps into the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
The 23-year-old QB opened the first 11-on-11 team drill by launching a signature missile to receiver Alec Pierce, who had to track back on the underthrown deep shot, but hauled it in regardless for an explosive 50-yard gain that drew a roaring ovation from the audience. Indianapolis’ third-year signal caller finished his reps on another solid note after stepping up in the pocket and firing a dart in the end zone to a sliding Pierce for a touchdown.
Richardson rolled with the starters in the second wave of 11-on-11 drills and started off the competitive session with another bang as he found receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on a crosser for a 28-yard gain. The Colts starting offense ultimately stalled out with goal-to-go after Richardson overthrew rookie Tyler Warren, who was wide open in the end zone. Colts head coach Shane Steichen tried to motivate his unit and instill a sense of urgency by shouting “we’ve got to have it” before the offense broke the huddle on fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard-line, but Richardson chose to throw in the flat to running back Jonathan Taylor, who was stopped short.
“We had some two-minute situations, some sudden-change situations, some got-to-have-it situations where they have got to mentally lock in in those situations because it’s going to happen in a couple weeks from now,” Steichen said. “So, we have got to make sure we are engaged, locked in at every situation, especially when you are tired because that is when you make the most errors. If you want to build that camaraderie and that freaking competitive endurance, it starts out here in training camp.”
Quarterback Daniel Jones tried to match Richardson with a deep shot on his first play with the second-team offense and delivered a strong throw, but his pass was dropped by receiver Anthony Gould. The seventh-year veteran was off-target with his next two deep passes, then took a sack on his fourth snap. Jones started a rough 2-for-7 in Sunday’s initial team period and one of those completions was a designed screen pass that was blown up by the backup safeties.
When Jones got his turn to command the starting offense, he flipped the switch and thrived while orchestrating Steichen’s brilliant play action and run-pass-option scheme. Jones recognized the defense biting on the run and connected with Josh Downs and Warren across the middle for a pair of first downs. Jones finished his reps with the starters strong as he hit Mitchell on an out route for a 10-yard touchdown.
It’s fair to say neither QB has separated himself from his counterpart, especially due to Richardson’s small sample size of six snaps in the preseason opener. Steichen reiterated after practice Jones will get the starting nod and “play a couple of series” in next Sunday’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, then Richardson is expected to close out the first half. The plan is for both offensive and defensive starters to play one quarter.
Steichen told the team his goal was to “create a competitive edge” and leave camp in tip-top shape. There is tremendous value to have players battle through the veritable finish line with a competitive 25-minute team session at the end of practice. When every single player is forced to give maximum effort, those bubble players dueling to make an NFL roster must find another gear in order to compete.
“I thought, good day of work today,” Steichen told reporters in his opening statement. “Obviously, the heat and stuff, I think it’s really good for our guys. This bulk of training camp, these next three blocks are going to be big for us. Tomorrow is going to be another big day. A whole scrimmage day, and then we will get a day off. But just the competitive endurance we need during the season. We need practices like that to get better.”
Tight end Will Mallory continued to stand out during 7-on-7 drills as he made three catches for nearly 50 yards while working with both quarterbacks on the first and second-team offense. When the Colts addressed their biggest need in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, there was no guaranteed roster spot for Mallory entering his third season with the Colts. Mallory has made the most of his opportunities to work his way up the depth chart and has been a productive, effective target in the passing game.
It has not been smooth sailing as the injuries keep piling up in Indianapolis and Sunday was no different. Pierce left the practice field due to experiencing groin discomfort following a deep shot on the first play of 7-on-7 drills. Indy’s fourth-year deep threat later returned to the field with a trainer to stretch on the adjacent practice field, but left immediately after with the same trainer.
Linebacker Zaire Franklin participated in team drills for the first time this summer after mostly being limited to rehab while he recovers from a cleanup procedure he had on his ankle this offseason. Cornerback Kenny Moore II walked off the practice field after experiencing some intense discomfort in his knee, adding yet another concern to a depleted unit. Steichen did not give timetables for the return of either Jaylon Jones or JuJu Brents, who are out with hamstring injuries. Three other potential defensive starters did not practice Sunday, including safety Nick Cross (hip flexor), edge rusher Kwity Paye (groin), and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle).
The Colts host two more practices at Grand Park, including Monday afternoon before wrapping up training camp with a joint-practice against the Packers on Thursday.