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Indianapolis Colts: Starters to Play in First Preseason Game

By Garrett Hagan

Jul 28, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) takes a break after drills during the Indianapolis Colts NFL training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/Indy Star via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jul 28, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) takes a break after drills during the Indianapolis Colts NFL training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/Indy Star via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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The Indianapolis Colts begin their preseason Sunday, August 7th against the Green Bay Packers. All of the team’s starters are expected to play in the exhibition game.

The Indianapolis Colts’ will begin their first of five preseason games next Sunday when they face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.

Given NFL teams usually play only four preseason games in a given season, this will be an extra game for some of the rookies and younger players to earn their spot on the roster.

As usually, the Colts are expected to have their starters play for a portion of this game against the Packers.

The news comes from head coach Chuck Pagano, via Kevin Bowen of Colts.com.

Last year’s preseason game featured the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Each team’s starters played about one series each, so expect the Colts to do the same to avoid any unnecessary injury.

The Colts’ preseason schedule consists of the following games:

  • HoF Game Vs. Packers – August 7
  • Game 1 @ Buffalo Bills – August 13
  • Game 2 Vs. Baltimore Ravens – August 20
  • Game 3 Vs. Philadelphia Eagles – August 27
  • Game 4 @ Cincinnati Bengals – September 1

There can’t be much stock put into the preseason in terms of what the starting unit will look like due to the fact that they play 2-3 quarters at most throughout the exhibition games. However, one thing to look at could be how the second and first units of the offensive line does and what the right side of it looks like.

Another critical point to the Colts’ five preseason games this year could be the team’s lack of depth at the wide receiver position — with the receivers on the current 90-man roster having an opportunity to make the roster alongside T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett.

Over the years, the Colts have usually kept five receivers on the active roster throughout the season, so expect the same this year. This gives two more receivers the opportunity to do something from now until the final preseason game.

Ryan Kelly sidelined with shoulder injury

Center Ryan Kelly — the No. 18 pick in this year’s draft — missed Monday’s practice with a shoulder sprain suffered during practice on Sunday.

Kelly is listed as day-to-day with the injury, as it is believed to be nothing very serious. Since it’s only camp, teams oftentimes are extremely cautious with player injuries — especially with first-round talent like Kelly.

Next: Indianapolis Colts: Starting Right Guard Race is Wide Open

Still, it is certainly a scare to see Kelly sidelined given he is likely the Colts’ starting center come week one.

Be sure to follow Ink On Indy as we continue our coverage of training camp for the Indianapolis Colts.

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