Indianapolis Colts News

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Daniel Jones • QB • Colts

Daniel Jones Takes All First-Team Reps on Day 1 of Colts Training Camp

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) took all of the first-team reps during the team's first practice on Wednesday, according to Kevin Bowen of 93.5 The Fan. Jones is continuing to recover from a ruptured Achilles he suffered in Week 14 last season. The Colts were producing as one of the league's best offenses with an 8-4 record before Jones went down with a season-ending injury. The team will look to get back on track as GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen enter a pivotal year of their tenure with the Colts. There are a lot of moving pieces in Indianapolis while Jones continues to get back to full health and regain chemistry with his pass-catchers. It could take time for the offense to get back to where it was a year ago.

21 hours ago

Jonathan Taylor • RB • Colts

Jonathan Taylor Not Holding in at Training Camp

Despite seeking a contract extension, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is practicing with the team and has elected not to hold in, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Taylor is entering the final year of his current deal and has said that he wants to remain with the Colts for the rest of his career. Apparently, the two sides have had some positive talks recently, which has convinced Taylor that something could be imminent in terms of a new contract. The 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was the RB2 in fantasy last year, behind only Christian McCaffrey, after rushing for a career-best 1,585 yards on a league-high 323 rushing attempts in 17 starts. Taylor added a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns, a career-high 46 receptions, 378 receiving yards, and another two scores through the air for the Colts. The Colts have discussed lightening JT's workload to keep him fresh throughout his seventh NFL season in 2026, but even with a small reduction in touches, the former second-rounder from the University of Wisconsin should have a high floor as a top-five RB1 lock in fantasy football.

23 hours ago

Alec Pierce • WR • Colts

Some Uncertainty for Alec Pierce's Week 1 Availability

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke with reporters on Tuesday, and in discussing the regular-season availability of his new $114 million wide receiver, Alec Pierce, he remained noncommittal but did not explicitly rule out the possibility that Pierce could miss time, as reported by the Indianapolis Star's Nathan Brown. Ballard told the assembled media, "He's not active right now. He's on PUP, and that's kinda a day-by-day thing... I'm not a doctor so we'll just play it by ear and see how it goes." Pierce opted for offseason surgery after a platelet-rich plasma injection did not relieve the pain of a nagging ankle issue he has been dealing with since 2024. While he has yet to practice since signing his new deal or going under the knife, Ballard did not seem overly concerned about his recovery timeline, telling reporters that he was "a week or two away," and later, "Of course, we'd like to have him right now, but Pierce is working his butt off, and he'll be ready to go when he's completely cleared," Pierce is RotoBaller's WR39 and could prove to be one of the best values in 2026 drafts if he's able to start the season without restriction.

Yesterday

Jonathan Taylor • RB • Colts

Jonathan Taylor Expected to Open Training Camp on the Field

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to participate when the team opens training camp Wednesday despite entering the final year of his contract, according to The Indianapolis Star. General manager Chris Ballard downplayed the possibility of a repeat of the contract dispute that disrupted Taylor's 2023 camp, saying the 27-year-old is "in a great spot." Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million extension in October 2023 and has said he would love to remain with Indianapolis for the rest of his career. He started all 17 games in 2025, rushing 323 times for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 46 receptions for 378 yards and two scores. That followed a 1,431-yard rushing season in 2024, giving Taylor consecutive years above 1,400 yards. Ballard declined to discuss negotiations but said the Colts continually work to retain their own players and would love to keep Taylor long term. No extension has been announced, but there is currently no indication that Taylor's contract situation will keep him off the field.

Yesterday

DeForest Buckner • DT • Colts

DeForest Buckner Cleared to Practice After Neck Surgery

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said Tuesday that he has been cleared to participate in practice after missing the team's spring program while recovering from neck surgery, according to James Boyd. Buckner sustained a herniated disc during Indianapolis' Week 9 loss to Pittsburgh and later lost strength in the left side of his upper body. He returned from injured reserve for Week 16 against San Francisco, recorded five tackles, and aggravated the injury before undergoing surgery on New Year's Eve. The 32-year-old finished the 2025 season with 47 tackles and four sacks across 10 starts. Buckner was only cleared to resume running in April, making his return to practice an important step in a lengthy rehabilitation. He said the Colts plan to ramp up his workload cautiously as training camp progresses, with the goal of being ready for the season opener against Baltimore. Buckner's clearance is encouraging, but his practice workload and ability to progress without another setback will remain important to monitor.

Yesterday

Josh Downs • WR • Colts

Colts Want to Get Josh Downs Involved in Many Formations

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told The Coachspeak Index that the team wants to get wide receiver Josh Downs involved in multiple formations in 2026. "Getting him involved any way we can, whether it's in 12 personnel -- obviously, he plays a lot in the slot in 11 personnel. But just trying to find different ways to get him the ball," Steichen said. The 24-year-old pass-catcher's fantasy stock is on the rise this summer with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh and with Alec Pierce (ankle) starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Downs, a third-rounder in 2023 from North Carolina, took a step back in 2025 with a 58-566-4 line in 16 games in his third season in the league after a career year in 2024 in which he caught 72 of his 107 targets for 803 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. Another breakout could be coming for Downs if QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) makes a successful return, making him an attractive WR4/flex target as a sleeper in upcoming fantasy football drafts.

Yesterday

Anthony Richardson Sr. • QB • Colts

Anthony Richardson Sr.'s Trade Request is Still in Place

FOX 59's Mike Chappell reports that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.'s trade request is "still in place." However, the Colts expect Richardson to remain with the team in 2026, with general manager Chris Ballard saying that the team isn't "going to give him away." The 24-year-old signal-caller has been a massive bust since the Colts took him fourth overall in 2023 out of the University of Florida. Injuries and lack of accuracy as a passer have done him in, and it's now clear that Daniel Jones (Achilles) is the Colts' clear starter under center going forward. In 17 games (15 starts) in his three years in the NFL, Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his pass attempts for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. A-Rich's elite rushing abilities always gave him potential for QB1 fantasy upside, but his inability to stay healthy has derailed his career early on. For fantasy football purposes, a trade and a change of scenery might give Richardson the best chance of reviving his career. He played in just two games in 2025 and missed most of the year with a fractured orbital bone due to a freak accident while stretching.

2 days ago

Alec Pierce • WR • Colts

Alec Pierce a Week or So Away From Returning

The Indianapolis Colts placed wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday for the start of training camp, and general manager Chris Ballard said on Tuesday that Pierce is a week or so away with his ankle rehab, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Pierce was given a timetable of four to six weeks when he had ankle surgery in March, so his placement on the PUP list to begin the week wasn't a huge surprise. Barring a setback, the Colts are still optimistic that Pierce can be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old signed a four-year, $114 million contract back in March, and veteran Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so when healthy, Pierce is expected to be Indy's new WR1 in 2026 and beyond. He's off to a bad start in camp, though, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon. Pierce has become more of a risky WR3/flex big-play receiver after leading the NFL in each of the last two seasons in yards per catch. He broke out with a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL.

2 days ago

Tyler Warren • TE • Colts

Tyler Warren Has High Hopes for Colts Offense in 2026

Indianapolis Colts veterans have reported for training camp, and second-year tight end Tyler Warren shared his excitement about the team's offense, telling a group of gathered reporters, "I think everybody's really excited... from an offensive standpoint, coming back with the same coaching staff, same core group of guys. It's always exciting to be able to build off of what you were able to do last year." The Colts had one of the league's most potent offenses before quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles in Week 14, with Warren pacing as the fantasy TE3 to that point as a rookie. With Michael Pittman Jr. no longer part of the team, Warren is expected to see heavy usage in the intermediate area of the field, and with Alec Pierce beginning training camp on the PUP after undergoing ankle surgery in March, the second-year tight end could build a sizable role throughout the summer. Warren is RotoBaller's TE4 and a player who could see enough volume in year two to make him a legitimate threat to finish at the top of the position in 2026.

2 days ago

Keenan Allen • WR • Colts

Colts Could Look at Keenan Allen for Wide Receiver Depth

The depth of the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver room was always going to be one of the team's bigger areas of concern, and with Alec Pierce (ankle) beginning training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the team may already be looking to add additional bodies, with The Athletic's James Boyd pointing to veteran Keenan Allen as a potential fit. Now 34 years old, the six-time Pro Bowler is predominantly a slot receiver, a box the Colts seemingly already have checked with Josh Downs, but Allen led the Chargers with 81 receptions in 2025, and he has experience in Shane Steichen's system from Steichen's time in Los Angeles. Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million deal this offseason to stick with the team and take over primary receiver responsibilities, but he has not practiced since opting for ankle surgery in March. The Colts' first practice of training camp is scheduled for Wednesday, and any prolonged absence by Pierce without a corresponding roster move could put significant strain on an offense that would then be forced to feature some combination of Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in starting roles.

2 days ago

Alec Pierce • WR • Colts

Alec Pierce Begins Training Camp on PUP List

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Pierce can rejoin the rest of his teammates at any time in camp, but he's not ready to get back on the field just yet after having ankle surgery in March. The 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Cincinnati is coming off a breakout year in 2025 with a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games while leading the NFL in yards per catch (21.3) for the second straight season. Pierce is also in line to be Indy's clear WR1 in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, but his availability for Week 1 of the regular season is in question, which will keep his ADP low for now in fantasy football drafts. Right now, RotoBaller has Pierce ranked as the No. 39 fantasy WR for the upcoming season. The longer he takes to get back on the field to work with quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles), the more risky he'll become in fantasy drafts as a WR2 going into his fifth year in the league. Josh Downs figures to be the Colts' top wideout in camp while Pierce is sidelined.

2 days ago

Tyler Warren • TE • Colts

Tyler Warren Has Overall TE1 Upside

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren was treated like a veteran from the jump. He drew 112 targets, catching 76 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns while playing 899 offensive snaps. Warren also scored once on the ground and set the franchise rookie record for receiving yards by a tight end. There is room for more. Michael Pittman Jr. took 111 targets with him to Pittsburgh, and Daniel Jones is set to open camp as a full participant after recovering from a torn Achilles. Josh Downs and Alec Pierce will remain heavily involved, so the vacated work will not all funnel to Warren. It does not have to. He led Indianapolis in targets last season and already finished among the top five fantasy tight ends despite only four receiving scores. RotoBaller ranks Warren TE4 for 2026. With Jones healthy and one of the league's strongest target profiles at the position, Warren has a real path to finishing as the overall TE1.

2 days ago

Daniel Jones • QB • Colts

Daniel Jones Feels Good, Ready to Go for Training Camp

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) made an appearance in the booth of the NFL Flag Championships held over the weekend in Indiana, and when asked how his body feels, he told Kyle Brandt, "I feel good, really good. I'm excited to get going." Colts veterans report for training camp on Monday with the first practice scheduled for Wednesday, and as Jones continues to recover from the torn Achilles that ended his first year with the team, he could soon find himself participating in 11-on-11 action. Jones saw his involvement ramped up throughout OTAs and minicamp, eventually taking part in 7-on-7 drills, and it sounds as if he won't be limited for long, if at all, to begin training camp. Jones is RotoBaller's QB24 and represents tremendous potential value after playing as the QB7 through the first 13 weeks of 2025 despite adding a career-low 13.3 rushing yards per game.

3 days ago

Ashton Dulin • WR • Colts

Ashton Dulin in Line for Colts' Third Receiver Spot

The Indianapolis Colts operated out of 11 personnel on almost 63% of their offensive snaps in 2025, and with Michael Pittman Jr. no longer on the team, a notable void has been created alongside Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs in three-receiver sets. While the Colts remain a contender to sign one of the veteran free agents still on the market, Indianapolis radio host Kevin Bowen believes the leading candidate currently in the building is eighth-year pro Ashton Dulin. Dulin has spent his entire career with the Colts but never earned more than 22 targets in a season, with that coming back in 2021. Used primarily as a field-stretching threat, he has caught only seven total passes since Shane Steichen took over as head coach, but with Pierce expected to see a more well-rounded role in 2026, some of the deep shots that have defined his route tree in recent seasons could find their way to Dulin. The 29-year-old veteran is not ranked among RotoBaller's top 300 players for 2026, but he is an intriguing enough player to pay attention to when the Colts reconvene for training camp on Tuesday.

5 days ago

Anthony Richardson Sr. • QB • Colts

Could Anthony Richardson Sr. Become a Training Camp Trade Target?

With Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones working his way back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season, 2023 third overall pick Anthony Richardson Sr. split starter's reps with second-year player Riley Leonard throughout OTAs and minicamp, and Indianapolis radio host Kevin Bowen believes their battle could carry into training camp, but he points out an interesting contract detail that could help to settle the competition. Richardson has a roster bonus of $4.24 million owed on the third day of training camp, and Bowen wonders if, once that bonus is paid, he might become a more attractive trade candidate, with any new suitor then on the hook for just over $1 million. Richardson reportedly requested a trade in February, with the team allowing him to seek out a new home, so the situation bears monitoring once Colts training camp kicks off in full on July 29.

5 days ago

Seth McGowan • RB • Colts

Seth McGowan Needs the RB2 Job to Matter

Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan has a simple path to fantasy relevance: beat DJ Giddens for the job behind Jonathan Taylor. The seventh-round rookie ran for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns at Kentucky, with another 126 yards on 19 catches. There is some appeal here. McGowan has the size for short-yardage work, and Taylor handled 323 carries last season. The problem is that Indianapolis has not promised meaningful weekly touches to its backup, and Giddens owns better draft capital after going in the fifth round a year earlier. RotoBaller still has McGowan at rookie RB11, but neither Colts reserve is being drafted inside the top 70 backs. That makes McGowan a deep dynasty stash, not a redraft sleeper. Until he wins the RB2 job, he is mostly an insurance bet with no standalone value.

5 days ago

Daniel Jones • QB • Colts

Daniel Jones a Potential Draft Day Bargain if his Recovery Stays on Track

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) was the fantasy QB7 on an 8-4 team before a torn Achilles ended his season prematurely. When the Colts hold their first practice of training camp on July 29, he'll have the opportunity to pick up right where he left off. While much of his sporadic fantasy success with the Giants came through what he was able to do with his legs, Jones was averaging a career-low 13.3 rushing yards per game before the injury, making much of what he was able to accomplish repeatable less than eight months removed from surgery. Jones saw steadily increasing involvement throughout OTAs and minicamp, and if that progress continues into training camp, he could prove to be a bargain in superflex drafts, currently coming off the board as the QB25.

6 days ago

Alec Pierce • WR • Colts

Alec Pierce Expected to be Limited in Camp After Ankle Surgery

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) is expected to be limited for some, if not all, of training camp this summer after having offseason ankle surgery in late March, per Stephen Holder of ESPN. There's still plenty of time for him to get up to speed for the regular-season opener, though, and Pierce is "preparing to ascend to the No. 1 receiver role" after the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Holder adds that it's "an inopportune time for Pierce to be out of the lineup," especially when considering starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) is also recovering from a torn Achilles tendon late last year. With Adonai Mitchell no longer in town either, Josh Downs figures to operate as the Colts' top receiver, with Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and rookie Deion Burks behind him. Pierce will no doubt have a bigger role on offense in 2026 if he's healthy after leading the NFL in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons, but his ankle injury could give fantasy managers pause in taking him as an upside WR3/flex in 2026 as he heads into his fifth NFL season.

6 days ago

Anthony Richardson Sr. • QB • Colts

Anthony Richardson Sr. Still Worth a Roster Spot in Dynasty Leagues?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is entering the final year of his rookie contract after the team decided to decline the fifth-year option on his contract in April. The Colts permitted him to seek a trade partner, but he has been unable to find a new suitor. Richardson may not have much fantasy value heading into 2026, but it could all change when he eventually gets a chance for a change of scenery. The 24-year-old still possesses his rare athleticism and scrambling ability to be a QB1 in fantasy football. In a small sample size, we have seen Richardson outproduce some of the league's best quarterbacks in fantasy and post big fantasy numbers. It may be a long shot, but with patience, Richardson could be given a starting role next season and be projected yet again as a worthy QB1 option solely on his rushing ability.

7 days ago

DJ Giddens • RB • Colts

DJ Giddens in an Important Positional Battle Ahead of Training Camp

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens rarely saw the field as a fifth-round rookie in 2025, and when he did, his 26 total carries amounted to only 96 rushing yards. The lack of moves made at the position this offseason indicates that the Colts still believe in his abilities, and he should be given every opportunity to serve as Jonathan Taylor's primary backup in his second season. When the team opens training camp with its first practice on July 29, Giddens will be competing with 2025 seventh-round pick Seth McGowan for a role that carries significant insurance upside for fantasy. Taylor touched the ball 369 times a season ago, and head coach Shane Steichen has spoken this offseason about the importance of taking some of that work off his plate, though the clear talent discrepancy between him and the other backs on the roster makes that an easier conversation to have in theory than in practice. Still, the battle between Giddens and McGowan will be one to watch, as it could dictate how FAAB or waiver priorities are spent down the road should Taylor miss any time in season.

Jul 22

Indianapolis Colts News

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