Colts Training Camp Roundup: Keenan Allen is a Colt!

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

^{Colts Training Camp – Wednesday August 19th – Joint practice at home w/ the Falcons}

^{This is the first Colts training camp featuring newly added veteran receiver Kennan Allen. A player, that if the readers recall, I have beaten the drum for repeatedly. Seeing as Allen just arrived, it seems, he did not suit up for practice, thus meaning he will likely make his debut in the Colts last practice against the Falcons tomorrow. But an exciting sight, nevertheless.}

^{Allen Speaks}

^{But leading up to Keenan Allen’s debut in a Colts uniform tomorrow, he was asked by the media just what went into his decision to sign with the Colts. To which he would go on to say that Shane Steichen – who he knew from their time playing/coaching together on the LA Chargers – is a “genius” and that he would contribute in any way the Colts need him to. An excellent sign that the Colts are headed in the right direction receiving wise.}

^{The Injuries Grow, Yet Stays the Same, What Does it Mean for Camp Competitions?}

^{The injured player list remains what Colts fans have been used to with wide receiver Alec Pierce (PUP/ankle), wide receiver Anthony Gould (groin), offensive tackle Nolan Rucci (undisclosed), offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (back), and cornerback Charvarius Ward (back).}

^{Running back DJ Giddens, who had been out with a hamstring injury, returned to practice today, only for him to come off the field with a trainer later in the day, favoring his upper right thigh. In a backup running back competition between Giddens and Seth McGowan, McGowan obviously took the lead since Gididens was out. And this apparent injury may have just sealed the deal, only one day into the two-day joint practice session with the Falcons.}

^{Looking at the competition purely from an objective point of view, it is clear that the Colts are already favoring McGowan, seeing as he has been implemented into the first team offense in a variety of situations.}

^{Tight end Tyler Warren also came off the field with a groin injury. While the severity is still unknown – perhaps precautionary – it remains a scary sight for the Colts receiver room. With Warren being one of quarterback Daniel Jones favorite targets.}

^{Filling in for Warren was Mo Alie-Cox and Will Mallory on the first team. Mallory, of which has been turning heads as of late, since his preseason showing against the Patriots. A positive sign for the 53-man roster hopeful in Mallory.}

^{Colts’ Defense Dominates The Falcons}

^{As for physical matchups during today’s camp session. The first team defense got a chance to face new Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.}

^{Cornerback Justin Walley made his impression on Tua, jumping in front of a pass for an interception returned for a would-be touchdown. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu had a would be sack as well, followed by safety/linebacker Hunter Wohler swarming to the backfield for a big hit. Rookie edge rusher Caden Curry, and Arden Key also would get home today, perhaps forecasting just how dominant the Colts defensive line could be. And throwing rookie safety A.J Haulcy into the mix only creates better results as he stuffed Falcons running back Bijan Robinson in a star making moment.}

^{And while it was only 1-on-1's, it was against the Falcons starting offensive lineman, so it was a testament to strength and impact; seeing rookie edge George Gumbs Jr having numerous quick footed plays, Deforest Buckner back to dominating, and Indy’s half of the Packers trade package, Colby Wooden showcase his potential as a rotating tackle.}

^{Jones Led Colts Offense Gain Familiarity with Atlanta}

^{Former Colts edge rusher Samson Ebukam blew up Seth McGowan’s run, making his presence known early. As well as the fact that the Falcons pretty much had their way with the Colts run game the entire practice. Something hopefully the Colts can clean up before tomorrow's practice.}

^{However, the passing game was where the magic happened, with Daniel Jones going 15 of 15 in 11-on-11's. He found Downs, McGowan, and of course scored touchdowns to cement his day as a perfect passer.}

^{Anthony Richardson was no different, completing all his passes, striking Will Mallory on a good play. As for Riley Leonard, he had an okay day that never really seemed to take off in the way the Colts would have liked. Something to most definitely watch in the Colts preseason game against Atlanta this weekend.}

^{Update on the Colts Kicking Competition}

^{After the Colts game against the Pats this past Thursday, it seemed as if the kicking competition between Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe was neck in neck once again after Shrader hit from 61 yards out. But in today’s practice it was back to what Colts’ fans have witnessed prior, with Grupe not missing one of his kicks today and Shrader missing the longer distances.}

^{It will undoubtedly be yet another thing for observers to pay close attention to in the Colts game against Atlanta, as game atmosphere seems it means the world to both kickers.}

^{From today’s standpoint alone, I’d argue that it is only a matter of time before the starting job is given to Grupe. As consistency for the Colts, kills.}

^Opinion

^{In full, it was yet another productive and inspiring camp for the Colts in the first of two joint practice sessions; but questions remain regarding sustainability as injuries continue to pile.}

^{The Colts got the receiving help they desperately needed. But injuries are still holding the team back from knowing their true potential. Something that will absolutely have to get better if the Colts want to make a deep palyoff run in what is known as a make-or-break year for almost everyone involved in the Colts organization.} 

^{Only time will tell if the Colts have done enough to “contend”, but I would argue that the signs are there to be able to distinguish this 2026 Colts team, compared to those playoff hopeful teams from the past.}

^{But of course, the question and therefore the narrative for the next sixth months and onward is and always will be, can the Colts stay healthy?}

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