The Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1)(-2.5) host the Detroit Lions (1-1)(+2.5) for the two teams’ preseason finale, which will kickoff shortly at 1 PM EST in the friendly confines of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Colts fans can watch the game on CBs4 (with Greg Rakestraw handling the play-by-play and retired longtime NFL coach Rick Venturi as the analyst) and NFL Network (Jason Benetti on play-by-play and T.J. Lang as the analyst respectively).
For those looking to tune in, you can listen in on 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan or 97.1 Hank FM.
Regarding the Colts, the plan is to play their starters for this final dress rehearsal ahead of the regular season for around two series—although offensively for Indianapolis, neither starting quarterback Daniel Jones nor running back Jonathan Taylor will be suiting up in this one, and rightfully so.
Steichen also indicated earlier this week that a pair of grizzled veterans, [**wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will both play at least a few plays**](https://x.com/RomeovilleKid/status/2093017092068921711?s=20) in the upcoming preseason finale.
As it stands, Richardson appears to be in the driver’s seat for the primary backup quarterback job behind Jones, but a poor performance this afternoon (or even a trade) could elevate Leonard a rung in the pecking order again.
Like the Colts, the Lions are expected to play their starters sparingly, which means Indianapolis should see a lot of quarterbacks Josh Dobbs and Luke Altmyer, who are battling for the primary backup job behind Jared Goff.
For the Colts, these are the competitions I’ll be watching for:
1. **Backup Quarterback**: The QB2 job behind Jones appears to be Richardson’s to lose right now, but as mentioned, a lackluster showing in this one, coupled with Leonard playing well in relief of him, could potentially make this an open-ended question again.
2. **Placekickers**: Blake Grupe has been rock solid throughout training camp compared to Spencer Shrader, who largely struggled, but it’s been Grupe who’s had the uncharacteristic misses through two preseason games, while the latter has really shined—including at least a few converted kicks from long distance. It would seem to me that it would matter more who performs when the game lights and pressure come on, and granted, it’s only preseason, but it’s closer to a simulated game than training camp.
3. **Backup Running Back**: DJ Giddens has been limited during training camp with a lingering hamstring injury, but is still limited as the primary backup to Taylor. Meanwhile, rookie Seth McGowan has stood out throughout training camp and preseason, and with Taylor not playing in this one, who will make the stronger RB2 case behind him?
4. **Rookie linebacker CJ Allen**: Despite being limited with his own injuries, Allen is still listed as the first-team defense starter on the last preseason depth chart alongside veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither. Linebacker Jaylon Carlies has surprisingly played well this training camp and preseason, so if Allen struggles, maybe this could be another positional question for the Colts going forward. Fellow rookie Bryce Boettcher is currently listed with the 3rd-team, but he’s played really well when called upon with his instincts and quickness, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t ascend the depth chart eventually through the regular season.
5. **Rotational Edge**: Former 2025 2nd round pick Jaylahn Tuimoloau has yet to flash throughout training camp and preseason, and while he’s been going up against the superior backup 2 offensive linemen, both rookies George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry have stood out more in preseason than he has to-date—albeit against inferior o-line competition (which is something to consider). Eventually Tuimoloau needs to show out, or he may get passed up in the Colts defensive edge rotation, sooner rather than later.
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