WESTFIELD, Ind. — Under the lights at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus, the Indianapolis Colts turned up the intensity for the lone night practice of training camp.
What started off as a special announcement became a celebration for the stampede of fans and evolved into the most competitive practice of camp. The festivities began with Colts principal owner Carly Irsay-Gordon declaring running back Jonathan Taylor is “here to stay” after the 27-year-old tailback agreed to a two-year, $44 million contract extension. The announcement earned an emphatic roar from the crowd, which was followed by Irsay-Gordon treating fans at least 21-years-old with a free Bud Light can. It set the tone for an electric atmosphere that carried throughout the two-hour workout.
Quarterback Daniel Jones continued his impressive stretch of camp, looking more comfortable while operating the offense both inside and outside the pocket. Jones ignited the initial team drills and got loose with a pair of scrambles before settling into a rhythm through the air. He orchestrated the run-pass-option scheme, using play-action to throw a dig route to receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhene for roughly 20 yards, then later connected with the veteran receiver again on a post route.
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The first-team offense was tasked to sustain a drive while backed up inside its own 10-yard line during a live period. Jones escaped the incoming pressure before delivering a strike to receiver Ashton Dulin up the seam for a 25-yard gain that flipped field position. Perhaps his best throw of the evening was a perfectly placed wheel route 30 yards downfield to tight end Tyler Warren, placing the football between cornerback Sauce Gardner and safety AJ Haulcy. The Colts capped the night practice inside the red zone and Jones fired a laser to find Dulin in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
For the third consecutive practice, Taylor took a slip screen the distance for what would have been another explosive touchdown. By design and perfect execution, the Colts have repeatedly found ways to get the ball to their All-Pro running back into open space during camp.
The rookies on the defense answered with several standout moments of their own. Rookie edge rusher Caden Curry recorded what could have been a sack during the live tackling period, while rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher burst through untouched on a blitz for another sack.
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Fellow rookie George Gumbs Jr. delivered one of the loudest hits of the night after dropping back in coverage to lay a significant strike. Third-year edge rusher Laiatu Latu also flashed his instincts by blowing up a Taylor zone run before later dropping into coverage to break up a quick slant intended for Taylor inside the red zone.
Anthony Richardson Sr.’s turbulent training camp continued. The fourth-year quarterback again struggled again with ball security, dropping another snap with the second unit. Richardson was later picked off after forcing a throw over the middle that sailed high. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon capitalized after rookie receiver Deion Burks tipped the pass into the air and Blackmon hauled it in for an interception. Linebacker Austin Ajiake also secured his second interception of Riley Leonard during Thursday’s workout.
Special teams was a major emphasis as Thursday’s practice featured an extended kicking session. Blake Grupe converted 4-of-5 attempts, connecting from 33, 41, 49 and 57 yards before coming up short on a 61-yard try. Spencer Shrader finished 3-for-5, delivering successful kicks from 33, 49 and 57 yards, while missing from 41 and 47 yards.
The Colts host two morning practices this weekend at 10 a.m. before traveling for the first preseason game against the New England Patriots.
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