Five things to watch during the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers joint practice ahead of their Week two preseason matchup originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
The Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers are set to go head to head for a joint practice on Thursday ahead of their preseason matchup this Saturday at 1 p.m. EST.
Typically, when teams hold joint practices, they prioritize that session over the game even. This makes the Colts and Packers’ joint practice important for both teams. A to Z Sports Packers beat writer Wendell Ferreira and I came up with the five things fans on both sides should be paying attention to when the teams take the field to compete on Thursday.
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Five things to watch during the Colts and Packers joint practiceHow the Packers’ offense will operate without Jordan Love
Jordan Love went through a minor left thumb surgery on Tuesday after he suffered an injury against the New York Jets. It’s not something big, but it will make him miss practice this week and probably sit out the rest of the preseason. Without its starting quarterback, the offense will have a tough task to operate and evolve.
“I mean, that’s life in the National Football League,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “You’ve got to adapt and adjust, and we’ll try to make the best of it. You never want anyone to miss practice, whether it’s a starter or a backup. But when somebody’s not there, it’s an opportunity for somebody else.” At least the Packers already have three other quarterbacks on the roster. Malik Willis, who curiously started against the Colts last season, plus Sean Clifford and rookie Taylor Elgersma are battling for the QB3 job.– Wendell Ferreira
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Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones continue to battle for Colts’ starting QB job
Until head coach Shane Steichen announces the winner of the Colts QB battle, it will be the biggest storyline surrounding the team. As they have throughout training camp, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will split starting reps during this joint practice. Richardson was viewed by many as the better QB in the Colts’ first joint practice vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Will Richardson go two for two with another big joint practice performance against the Packers, or will Jones be able to outshine the third-year QB as he prepares for his first start of the preseason against the Packers on Saturday? – Destin Adams
Can Packers edge Lukas Van Ness continue his strong camp
No other player development is more important for the Packers this year than Lukas Van Ness’. The third-year edge rusher will be a starter for the first time since high school, and his performance in camp has given the defense a boost.
“He’s productive, and he’s been really, really consistent. I’m excited for what he’s going to bring to us this year,” general manager Brian Gutekunst mentioned. “It’s just natural growth from him. You guys have all followed the amount of reps he had in college when he came into this league. [Defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington] has done a fabulous job with that entire group and with the way they’re playing. I’m excited for what he’s going to be able to do for us this year.”– Wendell Ferreira
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How does the Colts’ new look offensive line look vs. the Packers’ defensive line
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Colts this season will be how their new look offensive line fares. They elected to take the risk and allow veterans Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to leave this offseason, rolling with their second-year duo of Tanor Borolini and Matt Goncalves at center and right guard. There will undoubtedly be some bumps in the road as these young players develop, but the Colts are excited for the future that they believe they both have in the NFL. The Packers’ defensive line may not be regarded as an elite group off the edge, but the interior of their line features a dominant force in Kenny Clark, who will present a good test for the interior of the Colts’ line. The Packers also like to send their edge rushers inside on stunts at a decent rate, so Bortolini and Goncalves should also get to face off with players like Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. – Destin Adams
Laiatu Latu vs. Jordan Morgan
Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu has been having a fantastic training camp, and the team hopes it leads to him taking a big step forward during his sophomore season. He seems to have already been elevated to the Colts’ top edge rusher on the depth chart, as he has dominated first-team snaps. Teammates and coaches have taken notice, as they have seen significant improvement, and now he will get to show it against another offensive line. This joint practice with the Packers will see a battle of 2024 first-round picks as Latu takes on Packers LT Jordan Morgan.– Destin Adams
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Jordan Morgan
Last year’s first-round pick Jordan Morgan has taken advantage of Rasheed Walker’s missed time. Morgan started against the Jets and played with the ones and twos at left tackle, playing 36 offensive snaps and not giving up any pressures. It’s a big development for him and for the Packers after he was limited for the first half and missed the second half of his rookie year due to a shoulder injury—especially because Walker is in the last year of his deal.– Wendell Ferreira
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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.