Colts' Position Battle Updates Following Brutal Falcons Loss

Several Indianapolis Colts players made their position battles closer with their performances against the Atlanta Falcons.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Indianapolis Colts had a Saturday they'd soon like to forget after falling to the Atlanta Falcons 34-6. Mistakes were prevalent on all sides of the ball, leaving the Colts with plenty to clean up before they finish the preseason next weekend.

Despite the embarrassing loss, there were new developments at multiple positions. Here are the latest updates on the position battles across the Colts' roster.

Backup Quarterback

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After Anthony Richardson Sr. had a solid performance against the New England Patriots last week, the backup quarterback competition between Richardson and Riley Leonard looked closer than it has ever been. Unfortunately, neither quarterback helped themselves on Saturday.

Leonard got the start and finished 7-of-14 (50%) for 62 yards in the first half, struggling to move the ball and throw under pressure. Richardson did not fare well either, going 3-of-9 (33%) for 24 passing yards and 15 rushing yards.

The struggles of Leonard and Richardson should definitely give Colts' fans pause about the backup quarterback position. Richardson has looked better as of late, but the competition is still neck and neck heading into the final week of the preseason.

Backup Running Back

Atlanta Falcons safety Sydney Brown (29) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

DJ Giddens has not yet returned from a hamstring injury he suffered in camp, paving the way for rookie Seth McGowan to seize the RB2 role. While McGowan had only 27 yards on eight carries Saturday, he continued to show his powerful running style and ability to get yards after initial contact.

The Colts' coaching staff loves what they have seen from McGowan in camp, and the rookie has received plenty of reps with the first-team offense as well. The backup running back role is McGowan's to lose at this point, and the Colts may finally have a back that can give Jonathan Taylor some much-needed breaks throughout the season.

Wide Receiver

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Deion Burks (80) runs drills on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

With the Colts signing Keenan Allen last Monday, most of the wide receiver room is set. However, there is likely one more spot available between a group that includes Laquon Treadwell, Coleman Owen, and Deion Burks.

It was Burks who helped his case the most against the Falcons. The rookie hauled in four catches for 19 yards and averaged 24 yards per kick return. Burks has been seeing more action as of late and is beginning to take advantage of his opportunities.

Even though Burks was more involved, Owen may be the wide receiver who ends up with the roster spot. He hauled in a 39-yard catch of his own from Leonard and is currently the Colts' starting return man. Burks has been closing the gap, but Owen's special teams prowess may end up getting him the spot on cutdown day.

Linebacker

Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter (38) runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As expected, the Colts continued to rotate their linebacker group on Saturday. With Akeem Davis-Gaither resting, the starting linebackers were veterans Jaylon Carlies and Austin Ajiake. Second-round rookie CJ Allen and fourth-round rookie Bryce Boettcher rotated in on the next series as the Colts gave each player plenty of reps throughout the game.

Carlies (six tackles) continues to trend upward, playing a majority of the reps with the first-team defense in practice, and was one of the only Colts to make plays against the Falcons. Allen (three tackles) had a few nice reps during the game but struggled to get off blocks at times.

Allen was seen as the presumed starter at MIKE when the Colts began training camp. However, Allen missing practice due to injuries, combined with Carlies' strong play, has made this position battle much more interesting than many imagined. While the Colts are still expected to rotate their linebackers, it could be Carlies who receives the lion's share of the snaps.

Backup Cornerback

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (86) dives for extra yards against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. (39) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Colts are set at their first four cornerback spots. Behind that is anyone's guess, as the depth cornerbacks continued to struggle.

Mehki Blackmon was a liability in coverage yet again, drawing another defensive pass interference penalty. Rob Carter Jr. was given the start next to Blackmon, but he did not fare much better in coverage, especially when guarding the flat. Johnathan Edwards had trouble locating the football when it was thrown his way, leading to multiple catches.

The best cornerback out of the group looked to be Jaylon Jones. While Jones made a few plays in coverage, it seems Lou Anarumo still does not believe Jones is a fit for his defense, considering the fourth-year player remained in the game late in the fourth quarter.

The depth at cornerback is in rough shape for the Colts. Do not be surprised if cornerback is a position the Colts target heavily when cuts happen around the league.

Kicker

Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks during a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Before Saturday's game, it looked like Blake Grupe had all but sealed the kicker competition over Spencer Shrader. Grupe has been kicking around 90% in practices open to the media, while Shrader has only connected on 69% of his kicks.

But when the bright lights of the game come on, Shrader has been the better of the two. He knocked in two more field goals on Saturday as Grupe missed his lone attempt. Shrader is now 4-of-4 on field goals in game action while Grupe is 0-of-2, a stark contrast to practice.

Kicks made during a game obviously hold much more weight than kicks made in practice. For that reason, Shrader has made this a battle again and could be on the verge of winning the competition entirely.

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