Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Jori Epstein is on the road covering training camp. Today’s stop: the Indianapolis Colts.
About QB
Anthony Richardson wasn’t just cleared from shoulder surgery to throw. He was also authorized by team ownership to compete. “We know his feet can be dangerous and rack up critical yards at critical moments,” Jim Irsay said during Sunday’s practice. “One of the reasons we drafted him is his size and strength.”
Newbie to watch
Adonai Mitchell was targeted early and often by Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco in team practices. Michael Pittman Jr. didn’t find the end zone often enough to be the obvious WR1, giving Mitchell a chance to be that guy.
Keeping my eye
Veteran safety Julian Blackmon after tackling Richardson 30 yards downfield in team drills. Blackmon had a career-high four interceptions and eight pass deflections last season. Quarterbacks better watch out.
Fantasy thinking
What impact will a dual-threat QB and a full offseason have on Jonathan Taylor’s explosiveness? Don’t forget that, rounding out the form, Taylor’s 2023 finish was a 188-yard, 6.27 yards-per-carry performance against a playoff-bound Houston Texans team.
What I saw was interesting
Richardson is QB1 while healthy. But the Colts have one of the best backups in 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old has trained well and should prevent the team from suffering an injury to Richarson, away from continuing their playoff drought. Smart $4.5 million allocated.
Wildcard
The Colts haven’t won their division in a decade. They haven’t won a playoff game since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2018. “I think now it’s finally in the rearview mirror far enough away that we can move into a new day,” Irsay said Sunday. “The best team we’ve faced in recent times.”
