Aug. 20, 2026, 7:06 a.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts will be back on the practice field on Thursday for their second joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons.
So which players should we be watching as this practice unfolds? Joint practices have become an important part of the evaluation and preparation process. The game-like setting provides players with new looks against a different opponent and gives many a taste of what’s to come in the regular season.
For coaches, how players perform in these practices can carry a lot of weight. Looking beyond the quarterback, which of course is always a position worth monitoring, here are eight other players to watch closely on Thursday. LB CJ Allen During his short time with the Colts, Allen has repeatedly impressed when on the field. Unfortunately, injuries in training camp have limited his practice reps. While Allen has seemingly hit the ground running in Lou Anarumo’s defense, time on task for any player, let alone a rookie, is very valuable. Maximizing and capitalizing on these game-like reps will be important in helping Allen prepare for his role in the regular season.
DT Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery These two veteran defensive tackles are potentially competing for one roster spot. On the Colts’ unofficial depth chart, Nnadi and Tillery are listed as the backup nose tackle options behind Grover Stewart. That said, it’s also not a given that either player makes the team. With neither Nnadi nor Tillery standing out in the preseason opener, it is possible that the Colts roster just four defensive tackles.
Performing well in a joint practice setting and carrying that over to Saturday’s game will be important when it comes to making a roster push. RB Ulysses Bentley It sure seems like Ulysses Bentley is in a position to make the final roster. DJ Giddens has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, giving Bentley more opportunities. Where Bentley has really been able to stand out is as a pass catcher, which is an element this Colts’ backfield could use more of. So not only is he taking advantage of the reps that come his way, but he’s been able to differentiate himself as well. K Spencer Shrader Shrader had a good showing in the preseason opener, but Blake Grupe has consistently outperformed him in practice.
In terms of makes and misses, the gap is pretty wide at this point. It feels like we are approaching the now-or-never point for Shrader if he’s going to keep this battle close. WR Laquon Treadwell and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine With the addition of Keenan Allen, there may not be room on the final roster for both Treadwell and Westbrook-Ikhine. Treadwell has seemed to consistently be ahead of Westbrook-Ikhine on the depth chart and has special teams experience.
Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed more playmaking potential. DE Caden Curry Curry was terrific in the Colts’ preseason matchup with the Patriots. He did a bit of everything in that game. While flashing like that is great, the key to earning a larger role in Year 1 will be consistency.
With question marks around the Colts’ pass rush depth, if Curry can continue to stand out, he could see more opportunities come his way.
