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INDIANAPOLIS – Finally, it’s time to hit someone in a different jersey.
The Colts and Bills will get together in Buffalo on Thursday night, for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff in both teams’ preseason openers.
Here are 7 things to watch for on Thursday night:
1. Starting Reps
Last year, in employing new systems on each side of the ball, the Colts had their starters play a decent amount in the preseason opener.
That same expectation is not there this Thursday.
Frank Reich has stated that the preseason is much more about the young guys seeing action, pumping the breaks on any hopes of extended run for the starters, at least in the August opener.
Do we see 5-10 starters on Thursday in Buffalo? More? Less?
2. Deon Cain’s Return To Game Action
It was the second half of last year’s preseason opener in which Deon Cain went down and tore his ACL, ending what looked to be a promising rookie season.
The young wideout has practiced routinely at Grand Park and has shown zero favoring of that injured knee.
While coaches have liked what Cain has shown, it’s still a different setting in a game, something the former Clemson wideout has hardly done in the NFL.
Frank Reich said on Tuesday that Cain will play around a quarter/a quarter and a half against the Bills.
If Cain can show some moments on Thursday night, his confidence should rise, leading to a more expanded role with the starters as camp closes next week.
3. Defensive Rookies
As Training Camp has evolved, we’ve seen four defensive rookies ascend to potential starters, or (at least) having notable roles in 2019: CB-Rock Ya-Sin, LB-Bobby Okereke, LB-E.J. Speed, S-Khari Willis.
It will be fun to see those guys in game atmospheres, for a defense that is returning all 11 starters from last season.
Do the bright lights scare any of the young guys away, or will they thrive in those situations?
4. Avoid The Injuries
In last year’s preseason opener, Deon Cain was lost for the season and Marlon Mack injured his hamstring, which would cost him a huge chunk of September and some of October.
So far in camp, the Colts are dealing with some questions about Andrew Luck (calf/ankle), the Week 1 readiness for Jabaal Sheard (knee) and a roster spot now opening up due to Spencer Ware’s ankle issues.
You know some injuries are going to happen this month, but the Colts would love to avoid the significant nature that last year’s preseason opener had with Cain and Mack.
5. Evaluating The QBs
For different reasons, Thursday night is important for the quarterbacks playing: Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Walker and Chad Kelly.
For Brissett, and putting the Luck injury situation aside, it’s a massive month as it could be his last game run until he becomes a free agent next spring.
For Walker, he’s trying to secure that No. 3 QB spot, which could be something the Colts need on their 53-man roster to start the season.
For Kelly, it’s a trip back to Buffalo, as he tries to show that he’s worthy of a spot on the practice squad, or in moving past Walker on the depth chart.
6. Depth At Wide Receiver, Cornerback
These are two spots that are going to be really tough to cut come August 31st.
And special teams roles will be massive in deciding that 5th or 6th wideout, or the 5th or 6th cornerback.
Do we see any strong impressions from Reece Fountain, Krishawn Hogan or Marcus Johnson at wide receiver?
What about Nate Hairston, Jalen Collins and Marvell Tell at corner?
7. Any Undrafted Guys Emerge?
Before Training Camp started, we knew it would be really difficult for an undrafted free agent to make this 53-man roster.
After 11 practices at Grand Park, that remains the case.
There’s been some moments though from TE-Hale Hentges (Alabama) and even CB-Shakial Taylor (Kansas).
Only 6 undrafted free agents are on the 90-man roster, and 1 is a kicker, so it’s a small group to continue the streak.
