Colts: 3 players most affected by likely canceled preseason

Reports indicate that the NFL is closing in on canceling this year’s preseason, which will affect the Colts.

It’s mind-boggling to think that they waited four months to do so, but at least we can say that the NFL and the players’ association are entrenched in negotiations as they attempt to determine a feasible plan for returning to action amid the global pandemic, paving the way for the Colts to compete in 2020.

Per ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the latest update in these consultations included the NFL offering to cancel all preseason games. Instead, players are pushing for an extended training camp to help them get up to speed following the virtual offseason program and prepare for full contact.

While this is undoubtedly a smart move as it pertains to the health and safety of everyone involved, the potential lack of a preseason will have a severe impact on incoming draftees, new signings and players entering camp clinging to a roster spot.

The Colts are no different, so let’s highlight a few players that the likely canceled preseason will affect the most.

3. Trey Burton

For an NFL player looking to find a stable home, the pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time for tight end Trey Burton, who signed with the Colts this offseason after spending the last two seasons with Chicago.

It remains to be seen what sort of role head coach Frank Reich has in his mind for Burton, but our guess is that, following the departure of red zone monster Eric Ebron, he plans to feature him pretty heavily. However, the 28-year-old will be significantly behind the eight ball once training camp begins. On top of that, there’s only so much an athlete can learn from walkthrough practices and team meetings.

The best way to learn a new offense is getting in reps during a live game, and no preseason means that Burton won’t have that luxury at his disposal, which means he could fall well behind Jack Doyle in the pecking order at tight end.