FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The Colts entered the 2026 season with a team-wide collective belief, but by Sunday evening were left to pick up the pieces from a three-score defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.

DeForest Buckner underwent neck surgery on New Year's Eve 2025, and through a grueling rehab – both mentally and physically – the heart and soul of the Colts' defense will be back on the field in Sunday's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Head coach Shane Steichen on Thursday announced the Colts' season-long captains.

Daniel Jones took nearly every first-team rep from Day 1 of training camp through the Colts' final preseason practice last week.

Shrader connected on field goals from 60 and 61 yards during the preseason and emerged from a tight competition with Blake Grupe to be the Colts' kicker in 2026.

Keenan Allen had a 24-yard reception, DeForest Buckner hustled for a tackle and Sauce Gardner picked off a pass as the Colts closed out the 2026 preseason on Saturday against the Detroit Lions.

Ward missed about two weeks worth of practices with a back injury, but has worked his way back on to the field this week.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen shared a handful of newsworthy items during his press conference prior to practice on Tuesday. We'll start with injury updates:

Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason said both Blake Grupe and Spencer Shrader will get extra work this week, with roster cuts due by 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Colts have continued to send signals they would prefer to keep Richardson on their 53-man roster along with Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.