The Indianapolis Colts are using training camp practices as a way to see which players should emerge as significant contributors at several positions all over the field.
This has created a multitude of position battles to keep an eye on as training camp progresses and when the preseason games begin Thursday, Aug. 8. There is still a long way to go before these battles are through, but there have been some notes to keep up with.
Here’s an update on the position battles going on in training camp:
MIKE LB: Anthony Walker vs. Bobby Okereke
When Okereke was selected in the third round of the draft, there were many—including us—who believed Walker would have a tougher time seeing as much playing time as he did in 2018. While that’s still possible, it hasn’t been that way at all through the first week or so of training camp. Walker is dominating the first-team snaps alongside Darius Leonard, and it doesn’t look like he’s giving way anytime soon.
Leader: Walker
Wide Receiver
There are too many names in this competition to say that simply one player is competing against another. Everyone outside of T.Y. Hilton is battling for a role in the room, but there has been some clarity in the competition through the early part of camp. It appears that Devin Funchess is the clear WR2 opposite Hilton with Chester Rogers spending the most time as the WR3. Parris Campbell has made some splash plays but is dealing with a hamstring injury. Same goes for Deon Cain, who isn’t injured but is limited as he works his way back.
Other names to keep an eye on that are likely leading the race for the final spots include Zach Pascal, Krishawn Hogan and Jordan Veasy. Daurice Fountain has made some plays but not consistently enough to say his roster spot is safe right now.
Leaders: Funchess, Rogers, Campbell, Cain, Pascal
Nickel CB: Quincy Wilson vs. Rock Ya-Sin
Like the wide receiver room, the cornerback room is mostly up for grabs. However, there has been a constant first-team defensive unit. With Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore leading the way, there has been a battle brewing for the nickel cornerback spot between Wilson and Ya-Sin. While both have started training camp extremely strong, Wilson has been the one to work with the first-team defense in nickel packages. Ya-Sin has come on strong the last few days and should be fun to watch as camp progresses.
Leader: Wilson
DE: Al-Quadin Muhammad vs. Kemoko Turay vs. Ben Banogu
No one above is in danger of being cut if they don’t win the third defensive end role on the depth chart, but the winner will see significant time on the line—especially with Jabaal Sheard currently nursing a knee injury. Right now, it appears that Muhammad has the leg up on Turay and Banogu. Turay has dealt with a shoulder injury that forced him to miss almost a week of practice while Banogu has flashed some in pass-rushing drills. Muhammad’s ability to set a strong edge gives him the advantage to be the backup to Sheard.
Leader: Muhammad
Backup LT: Le’Raven Clark vs. Antonio Garcia
Both former third-round picks are battling for the role to be the backup left tackle to Anthony Castonzo. While it hasn’t been as clear who has the lead, it appears to be leaning toward Garcia. Despite his impending four-game suspension, Garcia has been working behind Castonzo when the latter is practicing. During the day off that Castonzo had, though, Clark was the one to step in at starting left tackle. It seems the Colts are still working through this one, but Garcia gets the nod because he’s seen the most time behind Castonzo throughout camp.
