Colts Training Camp Roundup: Daniel Jones Continues Strong Run as Indianapolis Searches for Receiver Help
The Indianapolis Colts returned to training camp Saturday following their preseason opener against the New England Patriots, with plenty to monitor on both the injury and personnel fronts.
The day was relatively quiet compared to some of the more eventful practices of camp, but the Colts did receive a welcome sight on the sideline. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason was back at practice wearing a large brace on his leg after suffering an injury on the final play of Indianapolis' preseason opener.
Mason's return is a positive sign for the Colts, particularly considering how recently the injury occurred.
Colts' Injury List Continues to Grow
Indianapolis had a lengthy list of players who did not participate in Saturday's practice.
Wide receiver Anthony Gould, cornerback Charvarius Ward, running back DJ Giddens, linebacker C.J. Allen, rookie guard Jalen Farmer, offensive tackle Luke Tenuta, offensive tackle Nolan Rucci and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi were all sidelined. Alec Pierce also remained on the physically unable to perform list.
Ward's absence continues to be notable after he missed the team's joint practice with New England because of back irritation. Pierce, meanwhile, continues to work on the side with trainers as he works his way back from his injury.
The majority of the injuries do not appear to be significant at this point, but the Colts will have to monitor the situation closely as the regular season approaches.
Colts Work Out Veteran Receivers
Perhaps the most interesting development away from the field came from the group of receivers Indianapolis brought in for workouts.
Josh Reynolds, Tre'Quan Smith and Equanimeous St. Brown were among the veteran receivers working out with the Colts. Indianapolis also brought in former Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski.
The receiver workouts are particularly noteworthy given the current state of the position.
With Alec Pierce still on PUP and several other receivers dealing with injuries throughout camp, Indianapolis has repeatedly been forced to rotate younger and inexperienced players into significant roles.
That could eventually force the Colts to look outside the organization for help.
Daniel Jones Keeps Rolling
On the field, Daniel Jones continued what has been an impressive stretch of practices.
Jones wasted little time making an impact during the first 11-on-11 period, connecting with tight end Tyler Warren for a touchdown of more than 20 yards.
The play came shortly after Justin Walley recorded a pass breakup and Laiatu Latu nearly brought Jones down for what would have been a sack.
Jones remained efficient throughout the session, later connecting with Josh Downs. While he did not produce a huge number of completions during the first team period, his accuracy and decision-making continued to stand out when the offensive line provided adequate protection.
That has become a recurring theme for Jones throughout training camp.
After returning from his Achilles injury, Jones has consistently looked comfortable in the pocket and has done a good job limiting mistakes.
Richardson Continues to Build Momentum
Anthony Richardson also continued to show encouraging signs following his performance against the Patriots.
Richardson completed one of two passes during his first opportunity, but he found more success later in the practice.
During a 7-on-7 period with the second team, Richardson completed three of four passes, including a touchdown strike to running back Ulysses Bentley IV.
Bentley has quietly put together a strong training camp and continues to make a case for a roster spot. Indianapolis has placed an emphasis on running backs who can contribute in the passing game, and Bentley's ability as a receiver could give him an advantage in what is becoming a competitive position battle.
Riley Leonard, meanwhile, struggled to find much rhythm with the second team after a difficult second half against New England. Leonard completed just one pass during his first series Saturday.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
While the quarterbacks received plenty of attention, the defense controlled much of the early action.
Indianapolis' defense was strong in coverage and consistently applied pressure to the quarterbacks, making it difficult for the offense to establish a rhythm.
The defensive performance was particularly impressive considering the Colts' offense has generally played well throughout camp.
The secondary continued to show its ability to challenge receivers, while the pass rush consistently kept quarterbacks uncomfortable.
Josh Downs Makes an Impressive Play, Then Takes a Hard Hit
Jones and Downs connected for another big play during the red-zone portion of 11-on-11 work.
Downs made an impressive catch over Walley for another touchdown, giving Jones yet another scoring connection during a strong day for the Colts' starting offense.
However, Downs later landed hard on his back and appeared to be in significant pain.
For a moment, there was legitimate concern that the Colts could be dealing with another injury to one of their most important offensive players.
Downs ultimately put his helmet back on and returned for the third series of 11-on-11 work, providing some relief for Indianapolis.
Still, his status will be worth monitoring moving forward.
Laquon Tradewell Continues Wide Receiver 3 Push
One of the more intriguing developments at receiver came during 7-on-7 work, when Jones connected with Laquon Tradewell twice.
One of those completions resulted in a touchdown.
Tradewell has been trying to make his case throughout camp in the Colts' wide receiver competition, and opportunities like Saturday's could become increasingly important as roster decisions approach.
With the uncertainty surrounding the position, every productive rep matters.
Indianapolis May Need More Veteran Help
Saturday's practice ultimately did not provide a major headline for the Colts.
Instead, it reinforced several themes that have been present throughout training camp: Jones continues to look comfortable, Richardson is showing signs of progress, the defense remains competitive and the wide receiver room remains unsettled.
That final point may be the biggest takeaway.
Indianapolis needs another reliable veteran receiver.
The Colts have spent much of training camp rotating young and undrafted players through the receiver room, and injuries have only made the situation more complicated. While some of those players have shown promise, relying on an inexperienced group to consistently produce throughout a 17-game season is a risk.
That is where a veteran such as Keenan Allen could make sense.
Allen would not necessarily need to become Indianapolis' No. 2 receiver or carry the offense. Instead, his value could come from providing another dependable option for Jones and Richardson while taking pressure off the younger players fighting for roster spots.
The Colts do not necessarily need another star. They need options.
Of course, that is simply one potential solution, and Indianapolis will ultimately have to decide whether adding another veteran is worth the investment.
But as the regular season continues to approach, the question is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: Can the Colts afford to enter the season without adding another proven receiver?
For now, Indianapolis will continue evaluating the players already on its roster.
Saturday's practice did little to change the overall picture, but with roster decisions approaching and the regular season only weeks away, every practice is another opportunity for players to prove they belong, and for the Colts to identify what they still need.
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