Winners From Colts Joint Practice vs. Patriots: Tyler Warren Remains Top Target

The Indianapolis Colts had their first opportunity to showcase their new-look roster against an opposing NFL team ahead of the regular season on Tuesday.

The Colts traveled to Foxborough, Massachusetts, for some scrimmaging against the New England Patriots before they kick off preseason play on Thursday, and by all accounts, it was a lively affair.

While Colts On SI did not make the trek for this week's festivities, we, of course, followed along from afar. With help from both the Colts and Patriots beat reporters who are boots on the ground this week, I'm covering which Colts stood out in their first joint practice of the preseason.

Injury Report

Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon speaks with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

For starters, the Colts had some much-needed reinforcements return to the gridiron for their joint practice against the New England Patriots.

WR Josh Downs (groin), CB Justin Walley, S Hunter Wohler (hamstring), and WR Laquon Treadwell (hamstring) all returned to practice. At the same time, WR Alec Pierce continued making progress in his recovery from left ankle surgery.

Pierce had his cleats on for the first time this offseason, and while he ultimately remained sidelined for ramp-up individual work, this was a great first step back.

General manager Chris Ballard said there has been no setback in Pierce’s recovery and clarified that Pierce did not receive a second PRP injection following surgery, despite a recent report claiming that he did.

It wasn't all promising on the injury news front, however. Rookie linebacker CJ Allen missed his fourth consecutive practice with a nagging hamstring injury, while cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. was sidelined for the first time all camp due to back pain and irritation.

Tyler Warren

The Colts' second-year tight end continues to prove that he's the offense's most reliable passcatcher.

Tyler Warren was an active contributor across both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 play against the New England Patriots on Tuesday, hauling in multiple receptions throughout the day and peaking during the scrimmage's simulated two-minute warning period.

“He’s just a tremendous player. He's got a natural feel, a natural knack for the game on how to get open, how to run routes, and he makes plays. He's got strong hands, big body, big target for Daniel (Jones) to throw to," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said about Tyler Warren's presence in the Colts' offense.

Grover Stewart

The Colts' longtime defensive tackle has been known for plugging up the middle of the trenches, and that was on full display during their joint practice against the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Stewart was credited with blowing up numerous rushes up the pipe and was viewed as one of the biggest winners on both sides.

"That Grover Stewart, whoa," ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss said about the longtime defensive tackle's showing on Tuesday. "He might have been the best player on the field yesterday."

Shane Steichen

Head coach Shane Steichen's Colts offense struggled in the first half of practice, but found their footing late as they cruise-controlled to success against the New England Patriots' defense.

All three quarterbacks -- Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Riley Leonard -- each had promising showings in 7-on-7 play in the red zone, but it was Jones who emerged during the scrimmage's simulated two-minute warning session to conclude practice.

Jones was finding Tyler Warren early and often during the simulated drive in question, before he connected with Josh Downs for a buzzer-beating touchdown to end the session.

Furthermore, their rushing attack saw each of its active running backs -- Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, and Ulysses Bentley IV -- find paydirt throughout the day.

On the flip side, 2025 MVP runner-up quarterback Drake Maye reportedly got the best of the Colts' passing defense for much of the day, but safety Cam Bynum made sure to have the last laugh after baiting Maye into a throw he shouldn't have made during the Patriots' starting offense's two-minute drive.

It wasn't a performance that suggested a Super Bowl run is on the menu, but at least the Colts showed up when it mattered most and got some much-needed positive injury updates ahead of their preseason opener on Thursday.

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