Colts camp is back! Here's what's new

Robert Goddin-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

In a week filled with headlines, the Indianapolis Colts returned to training camp with plenty of storylines surrounding injuries, quarterback news, roster battles and contract situations.

The biggest development came at quarterback, where Daniel Jones has officially been cleared for full participation just seven months after suffering a torn Achilles in early December. Since the Colts returned to the practice field, Jones has looked sharp, rarely making mistakes or missing throws. His mobility, accuracy and overall vision of the field have stood out through the first week of camp.

Meanwhile, former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson remains in the midst of his trade request while continuing to compete with second-year quarterback Riley Leonard for the backup role. The level of play from those two has not been quite on the same level as Jones' thus far, but Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has made it clear that the competition remains a toss-up.

Both Richardson and Leonard have made strides and shown flashes of promise, while also displaying some of the inconsistencies that has followed them throughout their careers. The biggest difference is experience. Richardson is entering his fourth NFL season, while Leonard is only entering his second. With plenty of camp still remaining, the competition should be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.

On the injury front, rookie linebacker C.J. Allen and newly extended No. 1 receiver Alec Pierce both opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. While losing two projected contributors is not ideal, the move allows the Colts to avoid aggravating either injury during the early stages of camp.

Fortunately for Indianapolis, Allen is already back practicing, immediately filling the starter role on defense. While general manager Chris Ballard said Pierce is expected back within two to three weeks.

Another encouraging update came from defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. As he continues recovering from the neck injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season, Buckner has been cleared to practice and has begun working his way back into full participation. The Colts are continuing to ease him into the workload, but the veteran remains on track for a Week 1 return and has already begun seeing regular work with the first-team defense.

Ballard also highlighted several of the team's biggest position battles entering camp. He pointed to competitions along the defensive line, in the secondary, at linebacker, for the fourth through sixth receiver spots and at backup center.

One of the rookies drawing particular attention is edge rusher Caden Curry. Ballard described Curry as a legitimate "football player" and expressed excitement about watching both Curry and fellow rookie George Gumbs Jr. get to work throughout camp. The Colts will need young players along the defensive front to make an impact, and both rookies have an opportunity to carve out meaningful roles.

The kicking battle has also begun to take shape. Returning kicker Spencer Shrader is competing with Blake Grupe for the starting job, with Grupe appearing to have the early edge based on consistency. Nothing is set in stone, however, and the competition should remain one to watch as camp progresses.

Two of the more impressive returning players have been linebacker/safety Hunter Wohler and cornerback Justin Walley. Both players suffered season-ending injuries during training camp last year in nearly the exact same period, making their respective returns all the more notable.

Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo echoed that sentiment when discussing Walley, saying the young corner picked up exactly where he left off and looked as though he had not lost a step.

Wohler's return has been equally encouraging. While it took him some time to fully adjust to the NFL last season, he has appeared to return with an extra level of energy and confidence. He has consistently been grouped with the starters throughout the first week of camp, giving the Colts another intriguing young piece to work with defensively.

Perhaps the most exciting development on defense, however, has been the return of what could become one of the league's best cornerback duos if both players remain healthy. Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner have already begun showing why the Colts brought them together, consistently limiting big plays and making life difficult for opposing receivers.

Both players understand how well they can complement one another, and the value of keeping them on the field for all 17 games cannot be overstated. A healthy Ward-Gardner combination could completely change how the Colts deploy the rest of their defense.

That could be particularly important for third-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu.

Latu appears to be on the cusp of a breakout, and he understands that even an extra second created by the secondary could make a significant difference for the defensive line. If Ward and Gardner can consistently force quarterbacks to hold onto the football, Latu and the rest of Indianapolis' pass rush should have more opportunities to get home.

Contract situations also remain a storyline around the Colts.

Despite ongoing discussions surrounding a potential extension for running back Jonathan Taylor, Ballard expects Taylor to continue practicing without interruption. All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson is expected to do the same.

While nothing has been guaranteed, the continued participation of both players suggests there is at least some level of optimism surrounding their situations. For a team entering a season with heightened expectations, having two of its most important offensive pieces fully involved is obviously a positive.

Perhaps Ballard's most revealing comments, however, came when he was asked about his own future.

The Colts' general manager quickly dismissed the idea of discussing a contract extension for himself, saying simply that the team needs to "win."

Those remarks only reinforce the growing belief that 2026 is a make-or-break season for Ballard and the Colts. Given owner Carlie Irsay's expectations, it would hardly be surprising if that message had already been delivered privately long before Ballard's Tuesday press conference.

That win-now mentality could also influence what Indianapolis does at wide receiver before the regular season begins.

Ballard has continued to evaluate whether the Colts should add a veteran receiver, but that decision will ultimately involve both him and head coach Shane Steichen as the competition unfolds throughout the remainder of camp.

The Colts do not necessarily need to add another receiver simply for the sake of adding one. If they make a move, it needs to represent a clear and consistent upgrade over the current options competing for the final roster spots, including but not limited to the undrafted free agents and veterans such as Chase Claypool.

That may be the biggest theme surrounding Indianapolis as camp continues consistency.

The Colts have plenty of intriguing pieces. Jones has looked sharp. Buckner is working his way back. Young defenders such as Walley, Wohler, Curry and Latu are generating excitement. Ward and Gardner could give Indianapolis a formidable secondary, while Taylor and Nelson remain critical pieces of the offense.

But potential only goes so far.

For Ballard, Steichen and the Colts, the time for simply finding potential is beginning to run out. In a season that carries significant consequences for the organization, every roster of decision matters.

If Indianapolis is going to turn all of these promising pieces into a legitimate playoff contender, the Colts cannot afford to settle for inconsistent play or unnecessary depth concerns.

Training camp is only beginning. But the message from Indianapolis is already clear:

It's time to win. And the Colts are back at it tommorow to continue to prove just that.

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