Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Mooney Ward's Back Injury, Mekhi Blackmon CUT, Daniel Jones Dominates Practice

Starting point is 00:00:00 Confidence in the Colts cornerback depth has taken a little bit of a hit in the last 24 hours. Let's get to it. You are Locked on Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked on Podcast Network, your team every day. All right, welcome to Locked on Colts on Podcast Network. I am your host, Jake Arthur, the Indianapolis Colts beatwriter for Roundtable Sports. And today's episode is presented by Kalshi. For a limited time, download the Calshy app and use code locked on to get $10 when you trade $10.

Starting point is 00:00:42 On today's show, we are going to go over kind of an overview of how the rookie class has performed this summer. You got two of the three preseason games under your belt. You got 14 training camp practices plus two more practices so far this week at the facility. They got one more this week. So offense, defense, how those guys look. But first, let's catch you up on a little bit of news and notes because, There's been some injury talk, and I think specifically with the cornerback room, really in the last 24 hours, we may have to shape how we think about their depth a little bit.

Starting point is 00:01:16 So let's start by talking about Charverius Ward Sr. here. So he missed the last five practices of training camp with a back injury. He didn't travel to New England, so he missed the three joint practices. None of the starters really, the meaningful starters really played in those two preseason games anyway. so he wouldn't have played that, but he's not going to play in this next one. He did return to practice this week, was kind of limited on Tuesday and got into some 11-on-11 stuff on Wednesday. So he is back for what it's worth. But he spoke to us in the media room, and, you know, he's a guy that's not going to hide a lot.

Starting point is 00:01:55 He doesn't have anything. He doesn't really hold his cards close to the chest. If he's thinking about something, he's not really going to, you know, keep it to him. himself. So everyone knows about all the concussion stuff and everything from last year. But so he was asked specifically about this back injury. He said it really started to creep in last season. And then he started to deal with it a little bit more of this training camp. Ultimately, he missed those last five practices. And he said it's something that he's going to have to kind of deal with and maintain throughout this season. So this is not something where the Colts sat him

Starting point is 00:02:33 down for a week or two and he's good. now. It's not anything like that. It unfortunately does sound like something they're going to have to keep an eye on and that might flare up throughout the year. He said what that's going to look like generally is if he hurts it in practice or if he hurts it in a game, he'll just kind of sit out some practice time and they'll try what they can every week to make sure he's ready for games. He does expect to be ready for week one. And again, he's practicing right now. He's doing 11 on 11. So there's really no reason to think he won't be ready for week one. But if you plan to have Mooney Ward, and you know, you already have the concussion stuff looming over, and now this back thing,

Starting point is 00:03:10 I think it's fair that most fans are going to kind of hold their breath anytime this guy is in a collision this season. So I think it's fine for him to be a starter. What he can provide you when he's healthy is great. But I think the Colts are going to have to be cognizant of the fact that They could be without this guy any number of weeks at any given moment. So the depth there is maybe a little bit shaking. With Ward out, we saw Justin Wally go from the slot out to the boundary opposite of Soss Gardner. And then moving into Wally's spot in the nickel was Cam Taylor Brett.

Starting point is 00:03:48 So we could see that trio be the main trio of corners for several reps this year. You know, you hope everything stays fine with Ward and that these things kind of of stay at bay. He doesn't have any new concussions. And the back injury doesn't necessarily flare up anymore. But just being realistic about the NFL, that's that's two big, nagging things looming over that I think fans are just going to have to be a little bit skeptical about for better or worse. It just kind of is what it is. Beyond Ward at the cornerback position, the Colts waived Mackay Blackman on Wednesday, which you could view it. is a little bit of a surprise. Personally, for me, I was a little surprised because I had him making the

Starting point is 00:04:34 53-man roster, only because I thought the Colts really valued what he brought to the death. Now, based on merit, perfectly fine for them to awaken. He is at a bad summer. He has been one of their worst defensive players out there on the field for the preseason. He's had some low moments in the joint practices as well. I think what's really, what was really, what was really the straw that broke the camel's back for the Colts was those penalties. So he had four defensive pass interference penalties called on him in the two preseason games, two of them on the opening drive of the first preseason game. And then one of them was when the Colts defense was backed up guarding their own end zone.

Starting point is 00:05:17 And it was fourth down and he got flagged for it in the end zone, which instead of then giving the Colts offense the ball there, it gives the offense and the falcon offense and a new set of downs, they go and they score points right after it. So it's, it's a case of a guy whose play is actually detrimental to the team. So they're, I kind of commend them for having accountability there. But at the same time, I think they were going to count on him to be one of their, probably like their fourth corner. So the depth there takes a little bit of a hit. And I think it also puts guys on notice like Jonathan Edwards. Jalen Jones, we already thought maybe wouldn't really make it, but now maybe this gives him an opportunity.

Starting point is 00:06:04 Rob Carter, Jr., even. So those guys, Jones and Carter, I think, kind of stand a gain from this. Edwards as well, if he can turn it around. But Edwards has had about just as rough of a performance just in coverage. He hasn't had all the penalties that Blackman had. He's given up quite a few plays, his inability to track the ball. his awareness, those issues still very much remain. So that's the cornerback position.

Starting point is 00:06:35 I definitely think that's something the Colts could look to add to that on the waiver wire once roster cuts come up here in a few days. Beyond that, some of the other injuries, Josh Downs, he's missed the last couple days of practice with a calf injury. He spoke to us on Wednesday as well. He said it's something that's very minor. They're just being cautious with it. So I wouldn't freak out about this one.

Starting point is 00:06:58 you know, everyone can kind of breathe a sigh relief. I think the Colts are just very much trying to be smart with guys like Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, who's going to remain out this week with his groin injury. I think they just want to get those guys to week one as close to 100% as possible without forcing practice on them when it's not necessary, basically. So I don't think it's any big deal with Downs and his cap injury. Is it a big deal that this is already like the second or third thing that's come up for him? I'm sure, but for this specific thing for what it is, the calf injury, it doesn't seem like it's anything that's going to really cost him when it comes time to the regular season.

Starting point is 00:07:38 Looking at practice on Wednesday, really high-flying affair, especially for the offense and the first team. Daniel Jones was a buzz saw 19 to 24. Had some really big plays, like a 40 or 50-yard deep post-rout touchdown to Laquine Treadwell. Treadwell split, Cam Bynum and Soss Gardner for the big score. perfect throw, great catch. Jones found Keenan Allen down the left side for a diving play where it was getting right in between coverage. And you could probably consider it a touchdown.

Starting point is 00:08:07 No one came in touchdown after he got up. And then McGowan had a very similar play. He didn't have to dive for it. He just caught it in motion and kept on going. So really big plays from Daniel Jones in the first team offense through the air. Riley Leonard, they didn't take much of the, you know, take much off the gas pedal there. He was six of six. I had a really nice deep ball to Dionne Burks down the right side. Reggie Wayne spoke to us yesterday as well and said that among all the

Starting point is 00:08:37 receivers in his room, he thinks that Berks has shown the most growth from the spring to now. So keep an eye on that. Maybe that's enough to help Berks ultimately make the roster. Anthony Richardson, not the best day. Four of 11, I thought his accuracy was kind of scattershot. He was under pressure. a lot of the time as well. Looking at guys beyond the quarterbacks, Keenan Allen's was probably the most involved. He's been in the offense during practice. He caught maybe four or five balls during 11-on-11s.

Starting point is 00:09:12 Sauce Gardner got to him for a pass breakup, though. So that's a really entertaining matchup there because it's two really cerebral guys going at it. Defensively, also I have Atta Tomiwa, out of Bwari, with another couple sacks. he's had an awesome summer. He's been providing a lot of interior pass rush. And then Hunter Wooler, he was in position a couple times to blow up plays.

Starting point is 00:09:37 They were ultimately big plays for the passing offense, but Wooler can't exactly give those guys big shots during practice. So in a game, he probably would have blew those guys up, but he put himself in a really good position there, at least in practice. All right, guys, coming up here in just a moment. let's take a look at the rookie class overall. How guys on offense, fair, defense, the rookie, all the guys from the draft class, are they going to make the roster?

Starting point is 00:10:07 Are there any UDFAs who might make it? We're going to talk about that in just a moment. Before the season even kicks off, everyone's making predictions. Who wins the division? Who makes the playoffs? Who's lifted in the trophy at seasons in? On Calci, America's number one prediction market platform, you could trade those predictions in a live market.

Starting point is 00:10:27 So let's just talk about can Daniel Jonesman comeback player of the year, for instance? I don't think that's super far-fetched. He's currently trading at 8%, which means a $100 trade pays out over $1,100 if he wins it. On Calci, you're trading against peers in a live market, meaning there's no house, and as the probabilities change, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Cal She. Download the Calci app and use code locked on to get $10 when you trade $10. K-A-L-S-H-I.

Starting point is 00:10:57 Cali. Trade on anything. 18 plus only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Cali products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see calshy.com slash regulatory. And support for today's show also comes from Square. Behind so many of the local businesses that people visit every day is Square. A platform designed to have to help businesses sell, manage, and grow. Whether it's a neighborhood coffee shop, a packed sports bar on game day, or it's your favorite restaurant, Square brings payments, banking, and more

Starting point is 00:11:37 together in one connected system. It helps business owners spend less time managing technology and more time focusing on their customers. Square isn't just a payment processor either. It's a complete business platform built to simplify the day-to-day. From accepting every major payment method to managing inventory and helping businesses access their earnings faster, Square gives owners the tools they need to run their businesses with confidence. I've told you guys all about some of the best things I like about Square and where I use it. A new one for me this year, the state fair. So if you've gone to the state fair, you know, there's always so many people there.

Starting point is 00:12:14 It's a lot of hustle and bustle. When you get up to pay for something at any number of, you know, food stands or whatever it is, you'll want to be quick about it. in these places you square now, and so that makes it so quick, so seamless, bang, boom, you're in, you're out. If you're starting a business or you're running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off of Square hardware at square.com slash go

Starting point is 00:12:41 slash locked on NFL. That's SQUA-R-E dot com slash GO slash locked on NFL. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today. And there are more live events than ever worth seeing right now. Late summertime, I think, is the perfect time to go see whatever it is. Games, concerts, comedy shows, festivals, whatever it is. The hard part usually isn't deciding what you want to go to.

Starting point is 00:13:07 It's actually getting the tickets between long wait times, confusing checkout processes and surprise fees at the end. Buying tickets can sometimes just feel harder than it needs to be. But that's why so many fans are turning to game time. It's the app that's built to make buying tickets simple with upfront pricing, seat views before you buy and exclusive savings opportunities that help you get to the events that you want without all the actual hassle. There's just something different about being there a lot, whether it's the crowd reaction, the energy in the building or a moment that everyone experiences together. It's one of those things that doesn't truly translate through a screen. So take the guesswork out of

Starting point is 00:13:43 buying tickets to every type of event with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code locked on for $20 off of your first purchase, terms of apply. Again, and create an account and redeem code L-O-C-K-E-D-O-N for $20 off. Download the game time app today. All right, welcome back, everybody. So we started out by talking about just kind of some news and notes, how to practice go on Wednesday, some talk about Mooney Ward and Mackay Blackman,

Starting point is 00:14:13 you know, Josh Downs and those injuries, how that's going. But now we're going to do kind of an overview of the Colts rookie class and just how did they perform this summer? Did they meet expectations, do training camp of precees, What's a little bit of projection for them throughout the rest of the summer or the season? We'll go ahead and start here on the offensive side. So Jalen Farmer, fourth round pick, guard, I think kind of entered the summer with a little more hype than what ultimately happened.

Starting point is 00:14:42 So I think he has performed very well for what it's worth when he's on the field. But ever since the spring, he's had this knee injury that's knocked him in and out of the lineup. Day to day, you never know whether he's going to be out there. he has missed a handful of practices, including yesterday. So I'm not sure if that's something that's really going to continue being a problem throughout the year or what's going on. But, I mean, he's been firmly entrenched in the second team, mostly at right guard. If he has to play, hopefully he's healthy enough when called upon to do so. But overall, as a player, I think it's going fine.

Starting point is 00:15:19 You just hope that the knee injury is nothing. that's going to be a big deal for him throughout the year. The Colts then had a couple skill position guys they picked in the seventh round. Dionne Berks and Seth McGowan. So I think a lot of people were really high on Dionne Burks coming into the spring and summer because the Colts had this open position at wide receiver three that really never got beyond anybody threatening Ashton Doolin. And I don't know that the Colts were ever going to let anyone threaten Ashton Doolin for that.

Starting point is 00:15:49 Now they ultimately signed Keenan Allen. and so that is what it is. But as far as like the current guys on the roster, Berks wasn't doing it, Westbrook Aquino, Laquan tried, well, none of those guys were going to ever unsee Ashton Doolin. So Berks, as I mentioned at the top, Reggie Wayne has been bullish on him, said no one's really grown more from the spring to now than Dionne Burks.

Starting point is 00:16:14 And I'd agree with that. I think the guy, he was very kind of incognito in the spring and early in training camp. And then he kind of caught on, started to make more plays. And Wayne even kind of used a great example. Now that he knows what's going on, he knows what he's seeing, knows what he's supposed to be doing. He's playing a lot more free and a lot more fast. It's, you know, when you know what's going on, you're able to perform your duties and actually play quickly. You're not just thinking about everything and being confused.

Starting point is 00:16:41 So Dionne Berks is coming along well. I don't know if he's going to really factor in much to offense this year, maybe a little bit to the return. turn game if he makes the roster. But ultimately, I think the arrows kind of pointing up on Dionne Burks. Seth McGowan, though, the running back, I don't know anyone who watched Colts training camp this year who doesn't think he shouldn't be RV2. So the Colts behind Jonathan Taylor or alongside Jonathan Taylor, however you want to look at it, they're just looking for a tough runner who can gut out those gritty yards.

Starting point is 00:17:17 Optimally, they could pass protect and pass catch. McGowan has done every single bit of this summer in the preseason and in training camp. He's been a hard runner who's made some big plays. I can't recall a time he's dropped the ball, catches the ball very seamlessly. And his pass pro tape in the preseason looks pretty good as well. So I don't think it should even be a discussion. McGowan needs to be the RV2. DJ Giddens is just not a similar style player.

Starting point is 00:17:50 and McGowan really fits everything they've said they need alongside Jonathan Taylor. So McGowan has had a great summer. Arguably no late round rookie slash UDFA type player has pointed their arrow as firmly up as McGowan has. He's had a great summer. And then I just pulled a few offensive UDFAs here who have been notable. Offensive lineman Nolan, Rucci, Gino Van Damark, and Josh Croutes. I would put them all as wild cards for the roster. So with Nolan Rucci, he missed a little bit of time late in training camp,

Starting point is 00:18:27 but did come back this week. Hopefully he's able to prove himself a little bit in the game on Saturday against the Lions. But Blake Freeland has been rough in training camp in the preseason. I don't think, I don't know that the Colts are going to feel comfortable enough cutting Freeland and giving that spot to Rucci. Because like Luke to Nude is going to be your swing tackle. any combination of Rucci or Matt Gonzalez, you know,

Starting point is 00:18:54 Tony Sparano Jr. the other day said, if they have to use a swing tackle, whatever, they're going to just put the best five guys on the field at the same time. Whoever gives the Colts offense the best chance at being successful. So maybe Rucci factors into that a little bit. And then Van der Mark and Cruz, I think they both had really good moments on the interior at guard and at center. Looking at the defensive side of the ball,

Starting point is 00:19:20 C.J. Allen and Bryce Betcher. Alan, obviously, it's taken a little while for him to come along. He's missed, I think, six total practices, two at the beginning, and then some near the end as well, first with a groin injury and then a hamstring. So he's more in a rotation now versus just being handed the mic job like he was initially when he got drafted. He's taking a lot of mental reps, but they want the physical reps to kind of meet up with where he is mentally.

Starting point is 00:19:48 once they're comfortable with the fact that, like, he is who they drafted him to be, then he'll be out there more and more and more. He's doing pretty well, though. Like, I don't have any issues with him. He's just missed a good bit of time because of the injuries, but he's healthy now. He's back in there getting some first team reps, so he'll ultimately be fine.

Starting point is 00:20:08 Betcher was one of the rookies that, you know, turned the most heads, made a lot of plays, especially in the spring, was a really good defender. like in the preseason so far, so he's been good. I don't think ultimately that he's going to be a starter. At one point, if you asked me, I would have said he would be a starter, but I think they very much value what some of the veterans bring them. But Betcher is still nonetheless going to be a key special teamer

Starting point is 00:20:34 and it's probably going to have at least some sort of limited role in defense. AJ Halsey looks like he has claimed that starting strong safety spot. So Hunter Wooller was getting most of the work there, and then Wooler had a hamstring injury and missed about a week or two. and then it's been all Halsey ever since. So it's pretty much Halsey at this point at strong safety. He's had a good camp. Louis and Aruma at one point said he had had made no mental errors, really,

Starting point is 00:21:02 which is impressive for a rookie player. Now, he's missed this week of practice so far with, we don't know what the injury is, but it looks like his ankles maybe tape, but we'll ask Shane Steichen about that later today if Halsey remains out. a couple of mid to late round edge rushers and George Gumbs and Caden Curry, very pleasantly surprised, I'll say. Curry especially, he's got like no defining physical or athletic traits other than just his fuel for the game of football and his motor. The guy plays fast.

Starting point is 00:21:36 He's very instinctive. Like he just seems to always be doing the right things. And he's very versatile. You can use him inside, outside, plays a lot of special teams. there was a day where he was doing some long snapping when they wanted to see who other than Luke Rhodes could do it. So Caden Curry made himself, got quite a bit of equity this summer. George Gumbs as well was kind of considered more of a project, an athletic explosive guy, but a project nonetheless. But he's been really productive, really explosive throughout the summer.

Starting point is 00:22:10 Him and Curry maybe have created themselves a little bit of a role when the regular season gets here. both have a baseline as frequent special teams players though and then some udfas just wanted to talk about camball west weeks taj chambers rob carter junior austin brown you know camball and austin brown weeks and chambers i would say are strong candidates for the practice squad they've had some nice moments but probably not enough to claim a roster spot rob carter junior though is very very interesting because Cam Taylor Britt is going to be suspended the first game of the year. Carter has played some nickel for them, and he's played some gunner for them. So it wouldn't shock me if Carter finds his way under the week one roster

Starting point is 00:22:57 and then gets, you know, knocked back down to the practice squad once Taylor Britt returns. But I wouldn't be shocked at all. He's had some really nice moments. Had some low moments as well. Don't get me wrong. But if they just are planning to use him for special teams, then I think it's a very long shot possibility that Carter could be out there week one. We'll see.

Starting point is 00:23:19 So that's what we've got for the rookie class. I think overall, this rookie class is going to help the Colts more than any of them have in quite some time. There's going to be a lot put on their plate. So kind of excited to see what those guys can do, and especially they've got one more preseason game this Saturday at home against the Lions. All right, you guys, thank you for making Lockdown Colts your first listen of the day. now on video we're going to send you to the first ever 24-7 YouTube channel on the NFL and on audio please check out Locked on Fantasy Football with Fabs and Marcus for your next listen.

Starting point is 00:23:52 And if you don't already, follow at Lockdown Colts at Jake Arthur NFL and at Zach Hicks 2 on social media. If you never miss an episode, then you know the everyday our club is built just for you. Get our audio ad-free plus a members-only Discord access and more. Just had to Lockdowncolts.com to join the club today. and with that, thank you guys for joining us, and we'll be with you again later to wrap up the final practice of the week.

Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Mooney Ward's Back Injury, Mekhi Blackmon CUT, Daniel Jones Dominates Practice

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.