Five Colts players with the most on the line when they take the field for the team’s preseason opener vs. the Ravens tonight
The stakes are even higher during the Colts preseason opener for these five players
Indianapolis Colts football is officially back with the team’s preseason opener kicking off tonight at 7 pm EST against the Baltimore Ravens.
Preseason football may not excite everyone, but for many on the Colts roster, spots and starting jobs are on the line. So tonight’s game is very crucial for their standing on this team. Five players, in particular, have the most on the line when they take the field tonight. Check them out below.
5 players who need to show out during the Colts’ preseason matchup with the Ravens
Anthony Richardson, QB
This one shouldn’t surprise anyone. Anthony Richardson is in an ongoing battle to be the Colts’ starting QB in 2025 with Daniel Jones. He is getting the first start, with Jones expected to start the second. This makes tonight a crucial game for Richardson. Many, including myself, think he has the slight edge in the competition at the moment, but that can change in the blink of an eye. If he takes the field tonight and lays an egg, that will be the headline in every fan’s mind, as well as the Colts’ top decision makers. He needs to go out there and have a strong performance, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Jaylon Carlies, LB
The Colts elected not to make a significant move at LB in free agency or the NFL Draft after watching E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard sign elsewhere this offseason. Many believed the reason for this was the team’s belief in Jaylon Carlies. Carlies flashes some great potential as a rookie, but he dealt with multiple injuries that hurt his chance of generating much momentum. He is now in a battle to be one of the starting LBs, and the team’s first unofficial depth chart has him behind in the race. A big showing tonight, though, could change that and show the team he is ready to take that next step in his career.
Jelani Woods, TE
The Colts and their fan base had a lot of excitement about TE Jelani Woods’ long-term potential after they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Woods showed flashes of being the difference maker in the receiving game that the Colts drafted him to be, recording 40 receptions, 312 yards, and three touchdowns. Sadly, since then, it’s not that his production has decreased, there has been no production at all. Injuries forced him to miss all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and he now enters 2025 as a roster fringe player. He is battling for one of the team’s final TE jobs and hasn’t stood out early in training camp. A big outing tonight could remind the team and fans of that potential that excited them three years ago, and give him a better chance at earning a spot on the 53-man roster.
Daniel Scott, S
The Colts drafted Daniel Scott in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and like Woods, he has had the start of his NFL career derailed with injuries. In his case, though, he hasn’t even been able to make his NFL debut. He has had season-ending injuries before the regular season in each of the last two years since being drafted. Still, he’s a player who has a ton of fans on the Colts coaching staff, and they’ve made a point to mention him as a factor. He is fighting for a backup job at safety, and his ability on special teams is going to play a significant factor in his chances. Tonight, he will get the chance to show what he can do on special teams and probably at safety, and it’s hard not to root for the guy after seeing his dreams of playing in the NFL stolen the last two years by injuries.
Tanor Bortolini, C
Last but not least is center Tanor Bortolini, who is competing to be the Colts’ new starting center, replacing Ryan Kelly, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. At this point, Bortolini seems to be the heavy favorite to win the job over veteran Danny Pinter, but if he can dominate his snaps tonight, he could shut the door on any other outcome. The Colts believe Bortolini has a bright future, and he showed up big in relief last season when his number was called. Now it’s time to see how much he’s grown through free agency and the offseason, and if he’s ready to be named a full-time starter.
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