As the Indianapolis Colts start training camp, here are updates on key players, including QB Anthony Richardson and starting linebacker Zaire Franklin.
Zaire Franklin: Won’t Be Ready for Start of Camp
Franklin (ankle) will not be ready for the start of training camp, Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
Franklin underwent a clean-up procedure on his left ankle earlier in the offseason and isn’t quite ready to practice. He’s been running, but there isn’t a clear timetable for his return to full strength. Franklin started all 17 regular-season contests last season, registering an NFL-high 173 tackles (93 solo), including a career-best 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, including a pair of interceptions, and five forced fumbles. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro. Franklin also received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
Anthony Richardson: Ready for Training Camp
Colts GM Chris Ballard noted Tuesday that Richardson (shoulder) will have “no restrictions other than volume” during the initial days of training camp, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
Per Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis, Richardson has been throwing for three weeks after missing the final two weeks of the Colts’ practices in June due to soreness in his right shoulder. While the team figures to ease the 2023 first-rounder back into the mix in camp, the stage is now set for Richardson and former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones to share first-team reps as they compete for the Colts’ top QB job.
Richardson underwent a season-ending procedure to repair an AC joint sprain during the 2023 season. Subsequent rest seems to have allowed the 23-year-old to move past the issue, with James Boyd of The Athletic reporting that Richardson has resumed throwing. Holder notes that it’s quite possible the signal-caller will be on some form of a pitch count once he retakes the field and begins competing with Jones.
Jaylon Carlies: Has Lead on Starting LB Role
Jaylon Carlies (shoulder) is the favorite to start at linebacker opposite Franklin heading into training camp, the Indianapolis Star reports. “We think (Carlies) can really ascend,” Ballard said recently.
Carlies moved from safety to linebacker last season and started six games. He recorded 36 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and one pass defended over 231 defensive snaps in 10 games. He underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and missed spring practices, but he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Spencer Shrader: Will Face Competition for Kicker Job
Spencer Shrader and Maddux Trujillo are in a true competition for the starting placekicker job, special teams coordinator Brian Mason recently told 107.5 FM The Fan in Indianapolis. “Spencer certainly has a little bit of a step up in that. He’s already been in the league, already been here, but it is definitely an open competition,” said Mason.
Shrader inked a two-year deal with the Colts in mid-March after a tumultuous rookie campaign, in which he appeared in four combined games between Indianapolis, Kansas City and the Jets. He converted all five of his field-goal tries and all nine extra-point attempts across those appearances. The Colts will have a new kicker this season after releasing Matt Gay in April. While Shrader’s two-year contract likely indicates he’s the favorite, it wouldn’t be surprising if Trujillo wins the job or if the team acquires another veteran late in training camp for the job. Shrader will need to have a strong preseason as a result.
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