Colts' Key Roster Battles Entering Final Preseason Game

Indianapolis Colts HC Shane Steichen talked about WR Alec Pierce's return to practice from his ankle surgery. (Video via Jake Arthur/ColtsRoundtable)

The Indianapolis Colts are set for their third and final preseason game of the summer on Saturday, at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

The Colts' starters will get their first taste of preseason action of the year, going "probably 8 to 12 plays," according to head coach Shane Steichen, with the exception of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor, who will not play.

The Colts still have some roster battles to figure out before the regular season arrives, but especially before sweeping roster cuts are due at 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, when lineups must go from 90 players to 53.

Here are some of the most consequential battles to watch on Saturday.

QB2: Anthony Richardson Sr. vs. Riley Leonard

Richardson will start and play the first quarter before Leonard comes in to play the second quarter.

The name of the game for both players is consistency, which has eluded the duo this summer. However, the Colts must also decide whose strengths give the team the best chance to win if they must play, while also considering whether their weaknesses are enough to hurt the team.

Richardson has much more pro experience and is a plus athlete with a big arm, but Leonard is more willing to take a safe play, which can help keep an offense in rhythm. Neither player has run away with the competition so far.

RB3: Ulysses Bentley IV vs. DJ Giddens

Giddens entered the offseason as the Colts' backup running back after a disappointing rookie season. However, rookie seventh-round pick Seth McGowan quickly looked more impressive, running with authority and decisiveness, while also catching the ball effortlessly and looking capable in pass protection. Bentley has also shown elusiveness and explosive playmaking ability while catching the ball well.

Giddens has been fine while on the field after a rough start to camp, but missed several practices with a hamstring injury while McGowan and Bentley continued their strong play.

Bentley is also more likely to be able to contribute on special teams.

WR5/6: Laquon Treadwell, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Anthony Gould, Deion Burks, Coleman Owen

After signing Keenan Allen, the Colts' top four receivers are set with Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Allen, and Ashton Dulin. They'll likely keep another big outside receiver (Treadwell or Westbrook-Ikhine) and a smaller special-teams type (Gould, Burks, or Owen).

Treadwell has been a fixture with the first-team offense throughout the summer while Pierce was rehabbing from ankle surgery, and he has quality special teams ability, so he's likely where they lean. Gould has been adequate but missed time with a groin injury. Owen is always solid but can likely be moved to the practice squad, whereas coaches have lauded Burks for his growth throughout the offseason.

K1: Spencer Shrader vs. Blake Grupe

This is a very unique kicker battle. For starters, both players are good enough to be starters in the NFL, which is a rarity. Throughout the spring and summer, Grupe dominated this competition, holding a field goal percentage about 20 points higher than Shrader, who has been returning to 100% after a 2025 season-ending knee injury. However, in the preseason, Shrader is 4-of-4, including a 61-yarder against the New England Patriots to tie the game with just over a minute left. Grupe is 0-of-2, from 36 and 61 yards. With game reps meaning the most, did Shrader turn the tide in his favor?