Colts-Broncos Preseason Game: Most Interesting Players Aside From Anthony Richardson

Five Indianapolis Colts' players to keep an eye on this weekend.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (10) lines up during the Colts’ training camp Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts will have their first preseason game of 2024 this Sunday, as the Denver Broncos come into town. This game marks the triumphant return of Anthony Richardson to the football field, even though he (and most of the other starters) are only expected to play a series or two. 

Even with the starters only taking the field for a handful of snaps, there is plenty of intrigue to go around for this young Colts' roster. These five players especially will draw some attention with their performances on Sunday evening.

Adonai Mitchell-- Wide Receiver

Aside from Richardson, the player bound to draw the most attention on Sunday is wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell was the Colts' second round pick in this past draft and he is currently in a competition with Alec Pierce for the starting X receiver position.

Mitchell has had an up and down camp thus far, but the flashes that he has had in one on ones are certainly intriguing. He has the athletic upside and the potential to be a superstar in the NFL, so it should be exciting for him to get his first bit of real game action this weekend.

One more minor note with Mitchell is that he saw the bulk of the starter snaps in the slot on Friday with Josh Downs sidelined due to an ankle injury. While this newfound role in the slot may limit his overall snap count in the first preseason game, it will be interesting to see how he performs in a new position in live game action.

Nahhhhhh AD Mitchell gotta relax 😂

Video credit: @nerlens_

pic.twitter.com/iXuEv0Tw3i

— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) July 31, 2024

Laiatu Latu-- Edge Rusher

Speaking of promising rookies, pass rusher Laiatu Latu has had a dominant Training Camp this summer. The first defensive player selected in this past draft class, Latu was touted for his pass rush polish and finesse in the draft cycle. Even with the high expctations heading into camp, Latu appears to be surpassing what everyone expected from day one.

Latu is in line to be the Colts' starter at the LEO position, so it remains to be seen how much he actually plays on Sunday against the Broncos. Even if it is just a few snaps or so, the excitement level for this rookie can hardly be contained at this point. The Colts might have a legit pass rushing force off of the edge this season, and this will be the first time the team gets a chance to see him out there in Colts' gear.

Laiatu Latu is going to be a tall task to counter within the Colts’ front.

Such an exciting player with all the goods to be a double-digit sack type of guy. Good start in camp ⤵️

pic.twitter.com/WgL25bUm3e

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) July 30, 2024

Jelani Woods-- Tight End

The last time that tight end Jelani Woods took the football field was way back in January of 2023. Now, nearly a year and a half since, Woods is set to appear in his first game since suffering that devastating hamstring injury last offseason. The former third round pick has to fight his way back into the starting lineup for the Colts, and this Sunday's game is a big step forward for him.

Unlike Latu and Mitchell, Woods should see a healthy amount of snaps this weekend. He has been working with the second team all Training Camp and should remain out on the field well into the second (and maybe even the third) quarter. For a player that simply needs to gain experience and see as much of the field as possible, this could be a strong game for the young tight end.

What IF…we give Anthony Richardson Passing Game time to progress

💥9.84 Fantasy Rushing PPG (1st)
💥25.75 PPG in his 2 finished Starts

Simply needs to Average 200 Passing Yards & 1.25 Passing TD per Game to be a TOP 3 QB in 2024

💰Buy AR & Jelani Woodspic.twitter.com/iOLITZkxbd https://t.co/JxOcTzO3zY

— Dynasty Dad (@DynastyDadFF) July 28, 2024

Evan Hull-- Running Back

Hull was yet another Colts' player that missed the entirety of last season, as he went down with a knee injury in week one of the 2023 season. Hull isn't expected to take on a major role this season for the Colts, but he could lock in a rotational pass down back job with a strong showing in the preseason.

This Sunday's game against the Broncos is the first step for the young back.

Skills and drills with #Colts RBs Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson, Zavier Scott and Trent Pennix. pic.twitter.com/0BL7pmhagr

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 2, 2024

Segun Olubi/Grant Stuard-- Linebackers

Stuard and Olubi break the mold a little bit to close out this article. Both players were active for a majority of last season and both seem safe in their roles on the team, but the excitement around these two comes with their play style. These are two old school football players that fly around the field in the preseason, and it's always a blast to see what kind of numbers they can put up in these exhibition games.

Stuard in particular led the Colts with 13 solo tackles last preseason (to go along with a sack and a forced fumble) so let's see if he can top that this time around.

LB Grant Stuard absolutely balled out last Saturday. 12 tackles, multiple run stops, and a forced fumble for the Colts.

Stuard should be locked in as the team's LB4 heading into the season pic.twitter.com/D4fWn3i9Ki

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 16, 2023

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