Following the Indianapolis Colts' second preseason game with the Atlanta Falcons, let's take a temperature check on where several key positional battles now stand. Over the next week, the Colts still have a few practices and a preseason game with Detroit on the schedule, giving players an opportunity to further improve their stock. That said, two joint practices and two preseason games have already taken place as well, along with a number of training camp practices.
Given what we know now, here is a look at where each positional battle stands. Backup quarterback I'm not exactly sure where this battle stands. Both Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard have flashed, but they've each been quite inconsistent as well. What has stood out is Richardson's ability to extend plays in preseason games, turning sacks into positive gains, while adding a new element to the Colts' offense for defenses to contend with. This can perhaps be a differentiator for him Backup running back This role belongs to Seth McGowan.
Wide receiver depth chart There are two separate battles to watch for here -- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine vs. Laquon Treadwell and Deion Burks vs. Coleman Owen. For what it's worth, Treadwell has seemed to be ahead of Westbrook-Ikhine on the depth chart this summer in terms of opportunities. He can also contribute to multiple special teams phases. When it comes to Burks and Owen, the better return man may win that job. Backup offensive line roles The depth of this unit really struggled against Atlanta.
Without Luke Tenuta, the tackle depth took its lumps, while no one has really emerged to take control of the backup center role, although I would guess Dalton Tucker is the most likely to earn that spot. Defensive line depth chart The assumption has been that Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Micheal Clemons will fill the rotational defensive end roles, and that may be how things still play out. That said, giving George Gumbs or Caden Curry more opportunities should be in play, considering it's been a quiet few games for this unit.
At tackle, Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi both seem to be in danger of getting cut. Linebacker What we can say right now is that Akeem Davis-Gaither will be one of the starters. He has not played in either preseason game. But who will be lining up next to him this season remains to be seen. It would appear that Jaylon Carlies and CJ Allen are the two who seem to be most in the mix for those snaps, with Austin Ajiake and Bryce Boettcher providing depth.
Cornerback depth Cam Taylor-Britt will be the next man up, both in the slot and outside. After him, no one has been able to stand out. Starting safety AJ Haulcy will start next to Cam Bynum Kicker In practice, Blake Grupe has been the better kicker -- and it hasn't been particularly close. But in the preseason games, Shrader is yet to miss, while Grupe is yet to make an attempt. This has very much become a close competition. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Where 9 Colts position battles stand after 2 preseason games
