Back to the August Updates landing page.
Access the August Updates for other teams here:
Arizona | Atlanta | Baltimore | Buffalo | Carolina | Chicago | Cincinnati | Cleveland | Dallas | Denver | Detroit | Green Bay | Houston | Indianapolis | Jacksonville | Kansas City | Las Vegas | LA Chargers | LA Rams | Miami | Minnesota | New England | New Orleans | NY Giants | NY Jets | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | San Francisco | Seattle | Tampa Bay | Tennessee | Washington
Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Making his Lucas Oil Stadium debut, Matt Ryan was his usual efficient self, leading the Colts on one touchdown drive in three series played with a 96.7 QB rating. The 37-year-old dazzled fans after he dropped back to pass, scanned the defense, and decided to tuck the football to run into the teeth of the Buccaneers defense for 11 yards. Ryan’s not a runner. For reference, he rushed for 82 and 92 yards each of the last two seasons. Frank Reich about Ryan “Listen, every guy is focused, every guy is all business, but Matt is just at another level. He’s always on and it’s - he’s out here to work.” Look for the Colts offense to go to another level this season with Ryan at the helm, which helps many different players improve in fantasy football. Nick Foles was next in the game but continued his underwhelming preseason performances with a 72.1 quarterback rating. His contract has $4 million guaranteed, which makes it tough for him to not make this roster. This is a debate, though, because of how well Sam Ehlinger has played in camp and preseason games. Ehlinger has produced a 147.8 QB rating this preseason and added a 45-yard touchdown run against the Bucs. Grabbing Ehlinger off waivers in Superflex leagues with very deep rosters is a move to make if you can be patient.
Running Backs
Opportunities were available in the Colts backfield, with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines being held out of another preseason game. However, nobody has stepped up to grab the No. 3 and possibly No. 4 running back jobs. Phillip Lindsay has the inside track on the No. 3 job, but he ran for only 3.44 YPC and only has $25k guaranteed on his contract. DVonte Price 3.64 YPC, Deon Jackson 1.27 YPC, and TySon Williams 2.36 YPC haven’t produced and aren’t returners on special teams. The Colts might look to add a more talented No. 3 and/or No. 4 running back to this team, which means you shouldn’t invest in Lindsay, Price, Jackson, or Williams.
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman made a very nice reception in traffic just short of the goal line. The favorite of Ryan in preseason games, Pittman owns a 35% target share from the starting quarterback. Pittman is in for a big statistical season, and he will help you win games. The next group of receivers in Indianapolis is a close battle for playing time, but it’s currently in the order of Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin. Fighting for a roster spot, Desmon Patmon has stacked two straight good preseason games with leading the Colts in receiving yards. He displayed good effort and vision on a jailbreak screen against the Buccaneers. Patmon should make the team, and he’s a sneaky player to roster in deep leagues because he’s flashed making plays on a team without a cemented backup to Pittman.
Tight Ends
A friend to Footballguys, Dwain McFarland, made a case for Mo Alie-Cox to be a deep sleeper at tight end with his 75% routes run with Ryan at quarterback and referenced elite would be 80%. The injury to Andrew Ogletree will provide more opportunities for Alie-Cox, but also to Kylen Granson and Jelani Woods. If the wide receivers behind Pittman don’t step up this season, a path is possible for Granson or Woods to get into TE2 territory as a spot starter. Granson plays more of a move tight end and should see snaps with Alie-Cox. While Woods is a rookie, he's also a massive target who should get some red zone looks.
Kickers
The team released Jake Verity (who was claimed by Jacksonville), which means that Rodrigo Blankenship will be the kicker again this year. He hasn’t been reliable from a distance and has faced competition in his first two seasons. Still, his consistency on shorter kicks put him ahead of Verity throughout camp and eventually won him the job again.
Defense
The dreaded word injuries has been the biggest news on defense. Kwity Paye went down with a knee injury during practice but was luckily diagnosed with a bone bruise. He might be available to play in the opening game of the season. Shaq Leonard has still not practiced, which not only creates doubt about playing in Week 1 but also whether the Colts place him on the PUP and lose him for four games. Armani Watts was carted off against the Buccaneers with an ankle injury. Ben Banogu had a strong game that will likely propel him to make this roster.
Returners
With Isaiah Rodgers and Nyheim Hines, the Colts have two of the best young returners in the league. Hines will handle punt returns, while Rodgers will likely field kickoffs.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan continues to be a breath of fresh air for the Colts. In two joint practices against the Lions, Ryan finished 19-of-25, including a sequence of three touchdowns in only four plays. No 2 Nick Foles was efficient to start the game against Detroit, which was progress compared to his ugly first preseason game. Foles’ highlight was a no-look pass to Alec Pierce. No 3 Sam Ehlinger has been on fire this preseason completing 19-of-22 passes for 224 yards with four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 148.7 passer rating. Ehlinger is trying to make the roster but might be challenging for the No 2 job. Ehlinger said, “Really my focus has been on what I can control, and what I can control is my mechanics and increasing knowledge of the game, (and) soaking up information from Matt Ryan.” Ehlinger was spotted working on his craft late after practice last week.
Running Backs
Indianapolis rested most of their starters against Detroit, which included Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. However, here are two practice clips to feed your confidence: Taylor looking in top form and Hines winning on a wheel route. The Colts running backs who played against Detroit combined for an underwhelming 28 yards on 16 carries. Deon Jackson has had at least three fumbles in practice and might be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
Wide Receivers
Allen Iverson doesn’t like to talk about practice, but Michael Pittman's silky smooth route running is must-see TV. According to the IndyStar, Pittman has caught 34 passes over 13 practices as the top target by a wide margin. The No. 2 and No. 3 jobs may see more competition after some positive plays against Detroit. Dezmon Patmon was impressive with 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. He displayed toughness by holding onto a highly thrown ball from Foles, which allowed time for the safety to deliver a hit. Mike Strachan tore his meniscus during OTAs and was recently activated from the PUP on August 15. He’s making a case to be on this team by catching all three targets for 45 yards and a touchdown, which his inside release off the line of scrimmage gave him the edge to win the route. Pierce made his lone reception count by dragging a defender 5 yards to gain a first down.
Tight Ends
Andrew Ogletree, having a fantastic camp, tore his ACL and will miss this season. Kylen Granson and Jelani Woods should see an increased snap share due to Ogletree’s injury, and Michael Jacobson could make the roster. Granson has improved this year but still has some drops in practice.
Kickers
Jake Verity had a tough week of practice but hit two extra points and made both field goal attempts against the Lions, including one from 40 yards. We can’t declare this competition for Rodrigo Blankenship yet after Verity recovered during the game. Still, it’s also possible that the Colts were just putting Verity out there as possible trade bait for teams that need a kicker.
Defense
Head Coach Frank Reich believes All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard won’t be 100% healthy whenever he gets cleared from the PUP list. For the second preseason game in a row, Dayo Odeyingbo got pressure on the quarterback and forced two sacks against the Lions by using his hands well to disengage from blockers. Nick Cross should earn the starting safety job partly because of winning reps against T.J. Hockenson in practice and preventing a touchdown against Detroit with a pass breakup. Tyquan Lewis read a screen pass and made the tackle in his first game back after a knee injury last season.
Offensive Line
The Colts' offensive line has been surprisingly drama-free for a team replacing two starters up-front. Left tackle Matt Pryor has stepped up, decisively taking the job from third-round rookie Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan). Pryor has ideal size (6-foot-7 and 350 pounds) and improved his footwork in the offseason. Danny Pinter has the most to prove at right guard, but he has conducted himself like a starter so far. Assuming the upward trend continues, this group grades inside the Top 10.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan wasn’t flashy in his Colts debut, but he found checkdowns and looked in command of the offense. The players around him didn’t offer a ton of support to gain separation or blocking. Ryan finished the day 6 of 10 for 58 yards with a 76.3 QB rating. Nick Foles had a day to forget. He fumbled on a sack, which was returned for a touchdown, and then badly overthrew a wide receiver for an easy interception. Foles was 7 of 11 for 72 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception for a 74.3 QB rating. Foles found TySon Williams for an easy touchdown here. Sam Ehlinger used his athleticism to extend plays that led to two touchdown passes. Ehlinger was 10 of 11 for 88 yards with 2 touchdowns for a 139.6 QB rating and added 24 yards on the ground. Ehlinger is the No. 3 quarterback and fighting to make the roster, but he might be pushing Foles for the No. 2 job if he keeps up these performances.
Running Backs
Not surprisingly, Jonathan Taylor didn’t play. Nyheim Hines caught the ball well and converted a nice draw for a 1st down. The No. 3 running back job is Phillip Lindsay’s to lose. He’s looked good in practice and turned in a solid performance in the game to the tune of 5 carries for 24 yards with 2 receptions for 9 yards. Injuries are the worst part of sports, but Lindsay might be someone to roster in very deep leagues, just in case.
Wide Receivers
Starter Michael Pittman, easily the team’s top receiver, had a solid day despite limited snaps with two receptions for 30 yards on three targets. But overall, it was an underwhelming day for the wide receivers not named Pittman. “Not great,” per Stephen Holder. It even caused some T.Y. Hilton to return to Indianapolis chatter. Parris Campbell had an ugly drop and didn’t catch a pass. Ashton Dulin couldn’t bring in his target. Alec Pierce showed off some good route running chops adding a pair of receptions for 27 yards on three targets. The No. 2 job remains wide open, and it may not pay fantasy dividends for anyone this year. Keke Coutee, fighting for a spot, suffered a groin injury and was forced from the game.
Tight Ends
Jelani Woods made a good contested reception for a touchdown. Kylen Granson showed his athleticism after a reception over the middle of the field for a 23-yard gain. Woods and Grayson finished the game with two receptions for 22 and 29 yards, respectively. Michael Jacobson caught a touchdown pass from Ehlinger as well. Andrew Ogletree saw snaps ahead of Woods and had a touchdown called back due to a penalty. Mo Alie-Cox is the starting tight end with Granson as the move tight end, but Ogletree and Woods give the Colts great depth and potential at the position.
Kickers
Rodrigo Blankenship and Jake Verity saw a little separation in their kicker battle this week. On August 8, Blankenship went 3-for-4 and Verity 2-for-4, with both missing on their longest attempts. On August 11, Blankenship went 5-for-5, including a make from 56, while Verity missed wide right from 56. In the preseason opener, Blankenship made a 24-yard field goal and an extra point, while Verity missed his only kick, an extra point attempt. Blankenship appears to be in the lead heading into the second week of the preseason.
Defense
The Colts lost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to the Chicago Bears and many other defensive assistants and are transitioning to new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. It was a big success in the first game as the Colts forced five turnovers, four of which were in the first half, and two sacks! Rodney McLeod took advantage of a tipped pass and intercepted Case Keenum. He’s been battling with Nick Cross for the starting safety job, but Cross played well and didn’t allow a reception on two red zone targets. Isaiah Rodgers made a good play for an interception and also had a nice kick return. Unfortunately, Rodgers also left the game after a concussion but later tweeted, “I’m good.” Dayo Odeyingbo got to the quarterback and after ball carriers, but the Colts needed more pressure up front from other defenders.
Returners
With Isaiah Rodgers and Nyheim Hines, the Colts have two of the best young returners in the league. Hines will handle punt returns, while Rodgers will likely field kickoffs.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan might not be as athletic as former starter Carson Wentz, but things are different in Indianapolis. Nyheim Hines said he sits up and listens when Ryan speaks. “I can’t describe it. You just get chills.” Ryan pushes the tempo at practice, and they’ve been ending practice early as a result. Head coach Frank Reich doesn’t think that Ryan’s physical tools have fallen off, and that’s why they traded for him. How many more years does Ryan play? He wants to play as long as the fire is still there. Going up against Stephon Gilmore is going to help Ryan, as well as the rest of this Colts defense. Ryan said, “Our defense is also playing really well, and we love going against them. Got to embrace the challenge.”
Running Backs
It didn’t take long for Jonathan Taylor to make a good impression on Matt Ryan. Ryan called him the complete package. Taylor showed up to camp in peak form. The Colts backfield will look different in 2022. The coaching is making a concerted effort to get Nyheim Hines more involved this year, lining him up in the slot and on the out wide as a receiver. Hines’ value will undoubtedly be higher in PPR leagues as we anticipate increasing his target share. Watch this video to see the level of Hines’ athleticism after signing autographs.
Wide Receivers
The Colts are looking at a three-player battle between Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, and Alec Pierce for the WR2 job. Campbell seems to be the early leader in camp and continually makes plays throughout camp. Michael Pittman was impressed with Campbell, too, stating, “We’ve seen Parris Campbell out here just tearing it up.” Meanwhile, Head Coach Frank Reich was impressed with what he’s seen from Ashton Dulin, “I cannot emphasize how strongly we feel about Ashton Dulin. He’s going to play a role in this offense. He’s proven it. He’s earned it.” Dulin made what could be the best catch of camp so far. Rookie Alec Pierce is working through some drops, but he also turned in a few nice catches as well. Pierce is going one-on-one against Stephon Gilmore frequently, and Reich sees that as a positive, “I mean they’ve lined up across a lot from each other, which is what you want, right?” Pittman also chimed in to say, “He’s light years (ahead) of me from when I was this stage…he’s so smart…and a guy that young going up against Kenny (Moore) or Stephon (Gilmore)?... I think he’s doing great.” If the plan works, Pierce might face his best competition in practice and develop quickly into a player we’ll want in fantasy football. Pittman will continue to lead this team at WR and appears ready to go mixing it up with scrappy, physical play multiple times with defenders in the opening week.
Tight Ends
Mo Alie-Cox tweak his knee a week ago, but he returned to practice and remains the team’s likely week one starter due to his blocking prowess. Kylen Granson and Jelani Woods are both showing some highs and lows early on, while rookie Andrew Ogletree is one of the early stars of camp with an opportunity to rise up the depth chart to take some reps as a starter.
Kickers
Rodrigo Blankenship and Jake Verity were both 4-for-4 on August 2, the first day with field goal attempts in the kicker competition. Both were good from 32, 40, 46, and 52 yards. Blankenship struggled last year, and Justin Tucker endorsed Verity after spending last season on the Ravens practice squad.
Defense
You’re going to struggle to find Darius Leonard’s name in 2022. He wants to be called Shaquille, his middle name, moving forward. Leonard is on the PUP list after back surgery in June. No timeline on his return, which could hold the defense back if he misses regular season games. Gilmore turns 32 next month, but he shows no signs of slowing down, and by all accounts, he is crushing it in training camp. Rookie Nick Cross is taking the majority of first-team reps at safety, but Rodney McLeod is battling him for the job. If McLeod loses the starting job, he may see snaps in three-safety personnel packages. Bobby Okereke is off to a good start, especially in coverage, and trying to lead by example. Yannick Ngakoue is impressing his teammates with personality and pass rush ability thus far.
