The Indianapolis Colts will be holding their starers out of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, but there are still competitions taking place all over the field.
With the starters not expected to see any time on the field, this will give some of the depth players a bigger opportunity to showcase their talent—either for the Colts or for another team if they get waived.
Here are four position battles to keep an eye on:
Quarterback
Neither Andrew Luck or Jacoby Brissett is expected to play on Saturday. This means the game will be split between Chad Kelly and Phillip Walker, both of which are fighting for the QB3 spot on the depth chart.
Kelly has been the better quarterback through two preseason games, but Walker has been the one to come in after Brissett. Though this position won’t have a massive impact on the team, it is still important to see who wins the battle.
With Brissett’s contract ending after the 2019 season, the winner of this competition could very well be the backup in 2020.
Wide receiver
There is still a long way to go before the final spots in the wide receiver room are solidified—even if some players have created some separation for themselves in the competition.
With T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell not expected to play, there will be ample time for players like Deon Cain, Marcus Johnson, Zach Pascal and Krishawn Hogan to further the competition at the bottom of the depth chart.
How many wide receivers the Colts keep will be the question on cutdown day as a handful of players have proven to be deserving.
Tight end
One of the most intriguing battles for the Colts has emerged in the tight end room. Though the top three spots have already been solidified, the battle between Ross Travis and Hale Hentges for the TE4 spot on the depth chart has become a topic of conversation.
It isn’t even clear if the Colts will keep four tight ends on the roster. But Travis and Hentges have been playing so well that it could force the Colts into keeping a fourth tight end following roster cuts.
Both Travis and Hentges have been playing extremely well halfway through the preseason and while both have made their cases for a roster spot, it is likely only one will get the chance.
Cornerback
The starters will be sitting, but there is still plenty of commotion to watch in this room. With four spots likely locked up for roster cuts, there is still likely two spots available for the other four or five cornerbacks competing in the room.
The final two spots are being fought between rookie Marvell Tell, Nate Hairston, Jalen Collins and Chris Milton. All bring something unique to the table but with limitations as well.
There are still two preseason games left to determine the final spots in the cornerback room, but this matchup will be vital for those fighting for a roster spot.
