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5 Biggest Questions for Colts Heading Into Training Camp

After much anticipation for minicamp and OTAs, the Indianapolis Colts head into training camp with some burning questions they’ll have to have an answer for.
Drake Wally|
5 Biggest Questions for Colts Heading Into Training Camp
5 Biggest Questions for Colts Heading Into Training Camp

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Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts had all eyes on their squad entering the offseason programs. With rookies all over the team and on both sides of the ball, many people wanted to see what it would look like for the youngsters to start the earliest stages of their NFL careers.

So far, quarterback Anthony Richardson, offensive tackle Blake Freelund, and cornerback Darius Rush, among others, have been some names that have stood out, making statements that they are serious about playing time and potentially starting week one.

However, with every team’s offseason, questions will arise as the weeks pile on. Well, for the Colts, it’s no different. Here are five of the biggest questions for Indianapolis as they approach training camp and the preseason.

#1) Daniel Scott is Out for the Season; What Now?

The Colts had an impressive draft in quality and quantity. With 12 new names, it was a tornado of picks for general manager Chris Ballard.

One of the wildcards was fifth-rounder Daniel Scott out of California.

Scott was drafted for his insane output on special teams during his NCAA days. Throughout his career, Scott logged 661 snaps. However, with some interesting plans possibly laying in wait for Scott, it’s over before it starts for his 2023 rookie campaign.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news of Scott’s cause of injury, revealing an ACL tear.

This is terrible news for Scott and the Colts. However, as awful as an injury is, the NFL moves very quickly, so it’s already onto “what now?” Almost as quickly as Scott inked his rookie deal, he’s done for the season, but Indianapolis has acted swiftly, signing former local and Warren Central graduate Michael Tutsie.

According to Nate Atkins at the Indy Star, this is what Tutsie has been fighting for, a chance to show what he’s got.

Indy might also sign a veteran, but this addition could hint at their belief in their safety group, which consists of names like Julian Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II, and Nick Cross.

#2) The Isaiah Rodgers Sr. Gambling Investigation

Less of a question for the subject, but it’s simple, “If Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is suspended from playing, who fills those shoes at cornerback?”

This was already a thin group before the fiasco that rolled out regarding Rodgers. Horseshoe Huddle's own Destin Adams formally broke the news on the situation.

This was a gut punch to the Colts. However, they drafted three cornerbacks: JuJu Brents, Rush, and Jaylon Jones. This might be good to keep some depth numbers, but this may be too young of a room to start in important roles. Not to say these young men can’t make it happen at some point, but right out of the gate might be too much this early.

Could the Colts answer this question with a free-agent signing? It might happen, if even for a veteran presence alone.

#3) How Ready Will Shaq Leonard Be for the Regular Season?

This one is perhaps the biggest unknown, as the dynamic turnover machine Shaquille Leonard dealt with nerve issues stemming from his lower back. This led to other issues regarding functionality with his legs, leading to him missing significant playing time.

Look, it’s Leonard’s business what’s happening with his recovery, but if the man known as “The Maniac” has anything, it’s toughness.

Leonard’s dynamic play on the defense completely changes everything for an offensive foe. Leonard is generally in the right place at the right time for a big play that will shape the game for the Colts.

Based on what Leonard has said, he’s feeling much better and is looking to be on track for a return. We’ll see how his recovery unfolds as the regular season approaches.

#4) Will the Colts Extend Jonathan Taylor?

This is something that has become a big topic of conversation when discussing the Colts. Will they pay Jonathan Taylor an extension? And if so, what’s his value?

Currently, the highest-paid NFL running back is the San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey, currently at four years, $64 million. This equals $16 million per year.

Is Taylor worth this kind of money? It’s difficult to say how the league is trending toward a running back’s value. Dalvin Cook, who was a true monster with the Minnesota Vikings, commanded a five-year, $63 million contract, and the Vikings still parted ways with him.

Could the Colts treat this situation by giving Taylor a deal that he wants? Taylor gave some of his thoughts on this endeavor.

Taylor is all about the Colts and the team’s effort. We’ll see what the front office decides to do in discussions with Taylor’s new agency.

#5) Who’s the Front-Runner for Right Guard?

This was a positional rotation that was the stuff of nightmares for Indianapolis in 2022. They trotted out Danny Pinter, Matt Pryor, Braden Smith (from right tackle), and Will Fries.

Fries settled at the position with the most snaps, but going into a new season, it’s still a concern with the shellshock that came from last season. It seemed as if the team had no answer for this position on the offensive line.

While Fries did impress at times, he needs to be pushed and measured to ensure he’s proper for the starting role. Currently, it seems that the other competitor on the team is undrafted free agent Emil Ekiyor out of Alabama. Many believed he was worthy of a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. However, injury concerns left him without a suitor. This was until the Colts grabbed him quickly after the draft concluded.

It’s a position that is so important for the Colts to solidify. While it’s unclear if Fries has improved enough to start full-time or if Ekiyor is a massive diamond in the rough, what is clear is that Indianapolis doesn’t want to fumble this spot on the offensive line for a second straight year.

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Drake Wally
DRAKE WALLY

Drake Wally is a co-deputy editor of Indianapolis Colts on SI. His works have also appeared on Bleacher Report, MSN, Yahoo, and SBNation. He also co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.

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