The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the start of training camp on July 28, along with the rest of the NFL, and will be hoping for smooth sailing into the season.
While we have no clue what the future holds for the league, especially for this season, teams are still preparing as if everything will go according to plan in the months leading up to the regular season.
Training camp will be as important as ever for players this year. Here are four Colts who need a strong showing at training camp:
WR Parris Campbell
The hype surrounding Campbell was strong during training camp in 2019 until he suffered a hamstring injury that essentially forced him to miss then entire preseason slate. Now, he has to compete for the WR3 role in the offense while developing a rapport with his new quarterback in Philip Rivers.
As T.Y. Hilton has his spot locked down, Campbell will have to quickly prove he will be an asset from the slot. This unique offseason will impact the rookie in Michael Pittman as well, but Campbell needs to show his injury-marred rookie season is behind him.
He has a lot of upside to be a solid wide receiver in the league, but Campbell has to get that going during training camp.
TE Trey Burton
While it was expected the Colts would draft a tight end, their opportunity to add to the room arose when the Bears released Burton to the free-agent market. In only a few days, the Colts scooped up the former Eagles tight end, reuniting him with Frank Reich.
Burton faces a difficult challenge, though, as a newcomer to the offense. Burton will be vying for the flex tight end role in the offense, hoping to prove himself worthy of a solid target share while Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox already have their roles carved out.
This offseason makes that difficult, and Burton will have to quickly prove himself worthy of a significant role in the passing game.
DT Tyquan Lewis
Over the next month or so, Lewis’ name will be used plenty of times as a player on the roster bubble. That might sound surprising given the Colts traded up for him in the second round just two years ago, but his role is shrinking by the day.
The addition of DeForest Buckner makes Lewis an expendable piece, but he will have the chance to prove that his versatility and athleticism are worthy of keeping on the roster. He can do that by showing out in training camp.
It has been a slow start to his career during the first two seasons. Lewis shouldn’t be totally counted out, but he needs a strong showing at training camp this offseason.
LB Matthew Adams
There will be an interesting battle to watch during training camp and the preseason games if there are any. Adams will be fighting for his spot on the roster with rookie linebacker Jordan Glasgow, who has been praised as a potential Pro Bowler on special teams.
Glasgow is the biggest threat to Adams’ roster spot. Both players would hold minimal roles on defense while being a major part of special teams. The Colts are really excited about what Glasgow can be in that area so they might give him the benefit of the doubt despite Adams having more experience.
