The pressure is mounting in Indianapolis. After watching their playoff hopes evaporate in another disappointing 8-9 campaign, the Colts know 2025 has to be different.
Thursday night’s preseason opener against Baltimore might just be a tune-up game, but for a franchise desperate to prove they’ve turned the corner, every snap matters.
How Much Will QB Anthony Richardson and Key Starters Play Against Baltimore?
The spotlight falls squarely on Anthony Richardson, whose injury-plagued career has left more questions than answers. Head coach Shane Steichen plans to give his quarterback significant work, with Richardson expected to play more than a quarter against the Ravens.
Steichen enters his third season as Colts head coach, and Richardson’s development remains crucial to his success.
Training camp reports suggest Richardson has made strides in his short-to-intermediate passing game while emerging as a vocal leader among teammates, according to Colts Wire. That leadership quality could prove just as important as his arm strength for a team that’s struggled with consistency.
Backup quarterback Daniel Jones will also see action, giving the Colts a chance to evaluate their depth at the position.
While Richardson gets his opportunity to shine, several key starters will remain on the sidelines. The Colts released an unofficial depth chart on Monday, August 4, revealing which players will take the field.
The offensive attack will feature Michael Pittman Jr. and Ashton Dulin leading the receiving corps. The offensive line will showcase Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Matt Goncalves, and Braden Smith, while rookie Tyler Warren and Mo Alie-Cox handle tight end duties.
Which Young Players Will Get Their Chance to Shine?
The receiving group presents an intriguing mix, with Josh Downs and Alec Pierce headlining what promises to be a competitive battle for targets. The Colts roster is filled with young players eager to make their mark, and Thursday night provides the perfect stage.
The backfield rotation will include Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Goodson, and DJ Giddens, each bringing different skill sets to complement Richardson’s mobility.
Defensively, the Colts plan to deploy a formidable front featuring Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and rookie Laiatu Latu. The secondary will showcase Cameron McGrone, Zaire Franklin, Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, Nick Cross, Kenny Moore II, and Justin Walley.
Special teams will feature punter Rigoberto Sanchez and placekickers Spencer Shrader and Maddux Trujillo, as the team evaluates options at the position.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where the Colts begin their quest to prove that 2025 will be different from the disappointments of recent years.
