Grok projects the Indianapolis Colts’ depth chart ahead of preseason Week 1 against the New England Patriots on Thursday
The Colts will be back on the field for the first time in 2026, taking on a New England Patriots team, which they have practiced against this week. But before we get there, let’s project what the depth chart might look like.
The Indianapolis Colts are about to play their first preseason game of the year, and it comes against the team they have already practiced against this week, the New England Patriots.
There have been plenty of storylines surrounding Jonathan Taylor and his new deal, and even the future of the quarterback position following Anthony Richardson’s demotion. So here is what things could look like on Thursday night.
Indianapolis Colts 2026 preseason schedule
- Week 1: @ New England Patriots
- Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions
Indianapolis Colts unofficial depth chart ahead of Preseason Week 1
The team released its first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 season around August 10. It is early in camp (after ~9 practices), remains fluid with injuries and battles ongoing, and starters like Daniel Jones are not expected to play much (or at all) in the opener. Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. are set to split significant reps.
Offense
Quarterback
- Daniel Jones
- Riley Leonard or Anthony Richardson Sr.
- Easton Stick
Jones is the clear starter (recovering from prior injury but participating in camp). The backup battle is open; both Leonard and Richardson are co-listed and will share preseason snaps.
Running Back
- Jonathan Taylor
- DJ Giddens
- Seth McGowan (R)
- Ulysses Bentley IV
- Anderson Castle / Roydell Williams
Taylor leads. Giddens is listed ahead of the rookie McGowan (who has generated strong camp buzz while Giddens has dealt with a hamstring issue).
Wide Receiver
- Alec Pierce (PUP/ankle), Laquon Treadwell, E.J. Horton Jr., Sahmir Hagans, Eli Pancol
- Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Coleman Owen, Raylen Sharpe
- Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Deion Burks, Ben Nikkel / D.J. Montgomery
Pierce remains listed high despite ongoing ankle recovery (PUP). Downs has also dealt with injury. Depth is thin/uncertain behind the top options; Dulin is currently a key third option.
Tight End
- Tyler Warren
- Mo Alie-Cox
- Drew Ogletree
- Will Mallory
- Carson Towt / Pharaoh Brown
Warren is the clear top option in a deep group.
Offensive Line
- LT: Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, Bayron Matos
- LG: Quenton Nelson, Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills
- C: Tanor Bortolini, Jimmy Morrissey, Geno VanDeMark, Josh Kreutz
- RG: Matt Goncalves, Jalen Farmer (R)
- RT: Jalen Travis, Luke Tenuta, Nolan Rucci
The starting five has been largely consistent in camp. Rookie Farmer is pushing at right guard.
Defense (base 4-3 under Lou Anarumo)
Defensive Line
- DE: Arden Key, Jaylahn (JT) Tuimoloau, George Gumbs Jr., Mitchell Melton
- DT/NT: DeForest Buckner, Colby Wooden, Adetomiwa Adebawore; Grover Stewart, Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, Cam Ball, Tim Smith
- DE: Laiatu Latu, Micheal Clemons, Caden Curry, Durell Nchami
Latu and Buckner/Stewart form a strong core. Key is listed ahead of Tuimoloau opposite Latu for now.
Linebacker
- WLB: Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jaylon Carlies, Bryce Boettcher, Tahj Chambers
- MLB: CJ Allen (R), Austin Ajiake, West Weeks, Devin Veresuk
Rookie Allen is listed as the starting Mike (notable for a young player; he has dealt with a hamstring issue). Roles remain fluid, with potential specialized packages.
Secondary
- CB: Charvarius Ward Sr., Cam Taylor-Britt, Johnathan Edwards, Mekhi Rodgers
- CB: Sauce Gardner, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaylon Jones, Robert Carter Jr.
- Nickel: Justin Walley, Jai’Onte’ McMillan
- FS: Camryn (Cam) Bynum, Jonathan Owens, Trey Washington
- SS: A.J. Haulcy (R), Hunter Wohler, Daniel Scott, Juanyeh Thomas, Austin Brown
Strong upside group with Gardner and Ward on the outside. Rookie Haulcy is listed as the starting strong safety.
Special Teams
- K: Blake Grupe or Spencer Shrader
- P/H: Rigoberto Sanchez
- LS: Luke Rhodes
- KR/PR: Anthony Gould, Coleman Owen (others mixed in)
Kicker is an open competition; Gould is the early leader on returns.
Key notes ahead of Preseason Week 1: Unofficial charts change frequently with injuries, practices, and game performances. Major storylines include the QB2 battle (Leonard vs. Richardson), RB2 (Giddens vs. McGowan), kicker competition, receiver health (especially Pierce), and how young defenders like Allen and Haulcy perform. The starting offensive line and defensive front have more stability.
This reflects the team’s first release and contemporaneous reporting as of mid-August 2026. Expect updates after the Patriots game and further camp practices.
