The 2023 NFL season is just a few months away and while there are no NFL games today, the Indianapolis Colts training camp provides fans with an excellent opportunity to see their favorite team up close.
It’s a new era of football for Indianapolis. The Colts hired Shane Steichen as head coach this offseason, bringing in one of the NFL’s top offensive minds to oversee the overhaul of this team. Of course, fans are even more excited about rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson with aspirations for him becoming the franchise savior and the driving force behind one of the NFL’s best offenses for years to come.
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Let’s dive into our Indianapolis Colts training camp preview, including top storylines this summer, FAQ for fans and the full training camp schedule.
Indianapolis Colts training camp schedule 2023
Here is the entire Indianapolis Colts training camp schedule for the summer. The Colts will begin training camp on Wednesday, July 26 and wrap up practices on Thursday, Aug. 17.
- July 26 – 10-11 AM – Camp Kickoff – Tickets
- July 28 – 10-11:15 AM – Kids Day
- July 29 – 6-7:30 PM – Back Together Weekend
- July 31 – 10-11:15 AM
- Aug. 1 – 10-11:30 AM – Salute to Service
- Aug. 3 – 9-10:45 AM – Youth Sports Day
- Aug. 5 – 6-7:30 PM
- Aug. 6 – 2-3:45 PM – Give Back Sunday
- Aug. 8 – 9-10:30 AM
- Aug. 10 – 9-10 AM – Fan Appreciation
- Aug. 15 – 9-10 AM
- Aug. 16 – 6-8 PM – Joint Practice with Chicago Bears
- Aug. 17 – 6-8 PM – Joint Practice with Chicago Bears
Indianapolis Colts training camp storylines
Looking for early standouts on the Colts’ defense
Indianapolis finished last season ranked 18th in Football Outsiders’ Weighted DVOA, a perfect reflection of this unit’s inconsistency. Against the pass, Indianapolis allowed just 209.9 pass ypg, but it also surrendered 7.1 yards per attempt and a 96.2 passer rating to opponents. Against the run, the Colts allowed 200-plus yards three times and 120-plus yards on eight separate occasions but also held eight opponents under 100 yards. In 2023, players need to step up.
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As Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire wrote, Samson Ebukam has already been one of the standouts this offseason. The former San Francisco 49ers edge rusher generated 43 pressures and 25 stops in 2022 and seems to be ascending. We know DeForest Buckner can play at an All-Pro level, but Indianapolis desperately needs Kwity Paye (58.3 PFF pass-rush grade) to step up his game this year. Otherwise, the Colts will be a league-average team in pressure rate once again and that’s not something this young secondary can handle.
Keeping a close eye on the offensive line
At its best, the Colts can have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Quenton Nelson is capable of playing at an All-Pro level and both right tackle Braden Smith and center Ryan Kelly are outstanding when healthy. However, there are also reasons to be very concerned.
Indianapolis allowed the 12th-most pressures (187) last season and ranked 24th in PFF’s Pass Blocking Efficiency. Nelson allowed 31 pressures and five sacks, Kelly was inconsistent and left tackle Bernhard Raimann needs to make a second-year leap. If everyone stays healthy and lives up to their talent level, this is a top-10 unit. If injuries strike, though, the Colts don’t have the depth to survive it.
What’s the status of Shaquille Leonard’s injury?
Shaquille Leonard earned ALl-Pro honors in his first four NFL seasons, receiving three Pro Bowl selections. Unfortunately, he only played in three games last season and he didn’t look anything like one of the best linebackers in football due to injuries.
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In May, Steichen wouldn’t provide a timeline for Leonard’s return to the practice field. Even in late June, there was still no clarity on exactly when we’ll see him on the practice field. When Leonard is either sidelined or severely limited physically, this defense is one of the worst in football. Leonard’s health will be one of the biggest questions in training camp.
Anthony Richardson’s time to shine
Richardson is the reason fans are so excited about Colts’ training camp. Indianapolis landed the most physically-gifted quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact, Richardson might be one of the best athletes at quarterback in NFL history. Because the Colts aren’t expected to be a serious threat in the AFC this season, Richardson has a chance to start in Week 1.
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Fans are going to see a quarterback with the athleticism of Cam Newton and the arm strength of Josh Allen. It’s an intoxicating combo that puts Steichen in a position where he can build his entire offense around the rookie quarterback. However, Richardson’s mechanics are still a work in progress and the young quarterback isn’t remotely close to scratching the surface of his potential. Fans are going to see things from a quarterback in training camp that they’ve never seen before, but there will also be some rough moments. Take the good with the bad, because this is just the start of what’s to come.
FAQ for Indianapolis Colts training camp
Where do the Indianapolis Colts have training camp?
The Colts hold training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus, located in Westfield, Indiana. It’s separate from the Colts’ practice facility, which is at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center right across from Eagle Creek Park.
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How much are tickets to Colts training camp?
Tickets for the Colts training camp are completely free. You can sign up for tickets at Colts.com. Indianapolis hosts more than a dozen open training camp practices for its fans to attend. Just make sure you get a ticket for each practice you want to attend.
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What to expect at Colts training camp?
The Indianapolis Colts training camp experience is one of the most fan-friendly in the NFL. Indianapolis holds “Theme Days” for many of its practices open to the public, including Kids’ Day, Camp Kickoff, Fan Appreciation Day, Salute to Service Day and “Give Back Sunday”. The 85,000-square-foot facility also has Colts City, with Play 60 turf fields for young fans to have fun on, along with asphalt pads, Colts’ inflatables, a social tent, interactive displays and so much more.
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Are Colts training camp tickets free?
Yes, tickets to the Indianapolis Colts training camp are free. Fans can find parking in Lot E on 191st Street or on Lot G on 186th Street.