The Indianapolis Colts are set to host the Chicago Bears on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium and while it won’t be as exciting without the starters playing, there is still plenty to keep an out for.
From position battles and players fighting for a roster spot to certain storylines that have been taking place since the beginning of training camp, there will be reasons to watch the preseason matchup.
Here are four things to watch on Saturday:
The cornerback competition
The Colts have four cornerbacks that are virtual locks for a roster spot. That would Pierre Desir, Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin and Quincy Wilson. The remaining one or two spots in the room are still up for grabs by several players.
Depending on how many cornerbacks they keep—likely five or six—the Colts have Marvell Tell, Nate Hairston, Chris Milton and Jalen Collins all competing for the final spots in the room.
While a player like Tell has upside in coverage, there are aspects of special teams contributions to be mindful of. This third preseason game can go a long way in determining who rounds out the room.
The intriguing TE battle
The top of the tight end room is known with Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron and Mo Alie-Cox. There is a chance that trio makes up the room on the active roster come cutdown day. There is also a chance a fourth tight end is added to the roster, and there is a strong battle emerging at that spot.
Undrafted rookie Hale Hentges and the incredibly athletic Ross Travis have engaged in an intriguing battle for the fourth tight end spot. Both have been strong throughout training camp and enjoyed a solid outing in the second preseason game.
The battle itself could force the Colts to keep four tight ends, and the winner of that likely comes from this battle.
Who starts at WR?
Because we know the majority of starters won’t be playing—a trend that is taking the league by storm—we also know that means T.Y. Hilton and Devin Funchess are unlikely to suit up. With rookie Parris Campbell nursing a hamstring injury, it is unlikely he plays either.
In a crowded wide receiver competition, it will be intriguing to see who starts the game as the wide receivers. It doesn’t guarantee a spot on the roster, but it does show who is leading the competition. Will it be Deon Cain and Chester Rogers? Will Zach Pascal or Marcus Johnson be on the field early?
There are a number of Colts fighting for a limited number of spots in the wide receiver room, which makes Saturday’s preseason game vital.
Offensive line depth
Suffice it to say it hasn’t been an encouraging showing for the Colts offensive line through two preseason games. Granted, the starting unit hasn’t even played together yet. While there truly shouldn’t be any worries with that unit, there are some concerns with the depth on the front lines.
There hasn’t been any depth offensive lineman show they belong as a primary backup. Le’Raven Clark has been shoddy working at left tackle. Guards Josh Andrews and Evan Boehm haven’t been encouraging either. Rookie Jackson Barton looks like a project that needs serious development.
The Colts have their starting unit intact, but the offensive line needs depth. It hasn’t been a great showing thus far, and they will have the chance to change the perception of the unit on Saturday.
