Winners and Losers From Colts Joint Practices vs. Falcons

The Indianapolis Colts got the better of the Atlanta Falcons over the course of two joint practices.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) passes the ball Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Indianapolis Colts wrapped up their ninth and final training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus this week with two joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Colts performed like the better team throughout the two practices. Both sides of the ball racked up their fair share of wins against a Falcons team that is full of questions.

Here are the winners and losers from the joint practices.

Winner: Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) passes the ball Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Daniel Jones has been wildly impressive throughout training camp, and that continued against the Falcons this week.

Jones was a perfect 15-of-15 passing in Wednesday's practice as the Falcons had no answers for the Colts' passing attack. While he came back down to earth on Thursday, going 3-of-4 in 11-on-11 drills, Jones still led a scoring drive in a two-minute situation in the final period of the day.

It's hard to imagine what more Jones could have done during training camp. Indy's QB1 looks as sharp as ever, showing off pinpoint accuracy and a command of the offense. Jones is still less than nine months removed from tearing his Achilles, yet the injury seems like an afterthought at this point due to his level of play.

Winner: Justin Walley

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

While Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr. are the big names amongst the cornerback group, it has been Justin Walley who has made the most highlight plays. Walley continued his standout camp against the Falcons, battling with Pro Bowl wide receiver Drake London on numerous occasions.

While London made a highlight grab over Walley on Wednesday, the second-year cornerback responded on Thursday with a crucial pass breakup in 7-on-7 work and a would-be pick-6 in 11-on-11s. Walley's playmaking ability has become a regular occurrence in training camp, and the Colts believe it will translate to Sundays as well.

Winner: Jaylon Carlies

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) participates in a drill on day two of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While Lou Anarumo has been rotating the linebacker group most of training camp, Jaylon Carlies was with the starting defense for both joint practices. Carlies had a strong showing in the preseason opener and continued to make plays against the Falcons.

Carlies came up with an interception of Michael Penix Jr. in 7-on-7s that fired up the defense. Carlies also made an impact as a blitzer, forcing Tua Tagovailoa into a few bad throws. The young linebacker is finally healthy and ascending at the right time, and it may lead to a starting role in the regular season.

Loser: Running Game

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) talks with Indianapolis Colts running back coach DeAndre Smith on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

If there was one area that the Colts struggled with against the Falcons, it was the running game. None of Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, or Ulysses Bentley IV could find much running room behind the Colts' offensive line. The Falcons did a great job getting off of their blocks and meeting the Colts' running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage.

The Colts definitely have some things to clean up in their ground attack. It is hard to get a full read of the running game in practice when there is no tackling. Regardless, the Colts will need to be a threat on the ground with Taylor and the offensive line if the offense is to replicate last season's success.

Loser: Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tyler Warren has been one of the standouts of training camp and was poised to continue his dominance against the Falcons' defense. Unfortunately for Warren, the Pro Bowl tight end slipped and injured his groin during a drill at the beginning of Wednesday's practice. Warren did not practice on Thursday as a result.

Fortunately, Warren seems to have escaped serious injury and is expected to miss only a week's worth of action. The Colts should have their tight end back and healthy for their Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Warren is expected to be a massive part of the Colts' offense this season and looks ready to ascend amongst the elite at his position.

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