5 Colts Looking to Show Up Big in Preseason Clash With Patriots

The Indianapolis Colts begin their 2026 preseason tomorrow against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

There will be plenty of position battles to be on the lookout for, but also individual players who have a lot at stake in this preseason opener.

For this piece, we'll take a look at the top five players to watch closely on Thursday with a pivotal season just around the corner.

Let's begin.

Bryce Boettcher | Linebacker

Bryce Boettcher goes through training camp drills. — Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

CJ Allen has missed a majority of training camp with a hamstring issue, which has opened the door for other linebackers to run with the first team.

A name we've heard plenty of from Colts training camp has been rookie Bryce Boettcher. Despite being a fourth-round selection (135th overall), he's shown out in a big way.

Allen figures to return to action, but Boettcher has clearly drawn the interest of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

#Colts LB Bryce Boettcher on getting first-team reps:

“I don’t really know if I expected it or not. I just kind of expected that the best player who shows the best effort and plays the fastest should play. They’ve given me a good opportunity to showcase my ability so far. …” pic.twitter.com/pJTyrskITh
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 8, 2026

If he can deliver an impressive performance against the Patriots, it will help him carry that momentum and improve his chances of being a factor in Indy's linebacker rotation.

Jaylahn Tuimoloau | Defensive End

Jaylahn Tuimoloau runs through defensive drills. — Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Arguably, the biggest question mark for the Colts defense is the edge rusher position opposite Laiatu Latu.

Currently, the position battle to watch is between Jaylahn Tuimoloau and veteran Arden Key.

However, Tuimoloau is coming off a less-than-ideal rookie year, which makes this preseason tilt a big one for the former Ohio State Buckeye.

There's a real shot that Indianapolis ends up approaching this defensive end position with a rotation between Tuimoloau and Key.

However, if Tuimoloau can put things together with his valuable reps on Thursday, he could give himself a leg up in the race for playing time.

The Colts want to win and will give more starter reps to the better player. But I'd put good money on the fact that the franchise wants to see their 2025 second-round investment take a big leap forward.

Hunter Wohler | Safety

Hunter Wohler waves at teammates during a training camp practice. — Jul 30, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) participates in a drill on day two of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Safety Hunter Wohler has dealt with a hamstring issue just like Allen, which has kept him out of a load of training camp practices this year.

Luckily, Wohler returned for the Tuesday joint practice against the Patriots. After such a fantastic 2025 training camp and preseason, Wohler fell to a season-ending Lisfranc injury.

Up to that point, he was tearing it up, which wasn't expected since he was Indy's final selection of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 232nd pick.

Wohler has displayed excellent football instincts, pursuit angles, and an ability to take the football away in past practices.

Even with the assumption that third-rounder A.J. Haulcy will start at strong safety, this is a huge game for Wohler on Thursday to cement himself a spot in Anarumo's rotation.

Anarumo's defense is predicated on cornerback and safety efficiency, and Wohler will have the chance to show that he's ready to be a factor in the game plan.

Ashton Dulin | Wide Receiver

Ashton Dulin runs with the football during a camp practice. — Jul 29, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) participates in a drill on day one of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I could have just as easily placed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine into this category, as he and Ashton Dulin are battling it out for the WR3 spot behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.

But Dulin has been with Indianapolis for seven years, and this is arguably the best chance he'll get to become more to the team than just a special teams ace.

Given that Pierce won't be playing on Thursday, Dulin will be featured in Shane Steichen's offense, giving him ample opportunity to shine.

Dulin is an explosive pass-catcher who hasn't been able to get into the prominent receiver rotation throughout his career.

This preseason is massive for the veteran, and that all begins on Thursday with the opener against New England.

Anthony Richardson Sr. | Quarterback

Anthony Richardson gets ready to throw the football down the field during practice. — Jul 30, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) participates in a drill on day two of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Anthony Richardson Sr. is at the end of his road with the Colts. The former fourth-overall selection has been named the starter against the Patriots, giving him a platform to make up for what's been an otherwise disappointing offseason.

#Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared Anthony Richardson will start at QB against the Patriots, with Riley Leonard playing the second half.

He also said Daniel Jones will not be playing in any preseason game. pic.twitter.com/eDEM6RyUG3
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 11, 2026

Richardson is listed as a co-QB2 on Indy's unofficial depth chart with Leonard, but the fact that he couldn't outright win the backup position is not a good sign.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Richardson's time with Indianapolis has been a complete disaster.

He's on tap to get plenty of snaps in the preseason, but as the undisputed starter for the debut against the Patriots, he'll need to have a great showing.

This is still a competition for the backup position. If Richardson can put things together in the first half against New England, it will give him a much-needed piece of momentum.

On the other hand, if he plays wild and can't operate the offense well, it will put him in a brutal spot and give Leonard a clearer path to backup Daniel Jones.

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