4 position battles for Colts entering training camp
When the Indianapolis Colts start training camp, they will have several position battles that will take place until the season starts.
The Indianapolis Colts return for training camp on July 27 and it will be the start of what could be a magical season for Indianapolis. However, before Indy makes it to the regular season kickoff, there’s a lot that needs to be figured out.
There are a couple of off-field contract situations that need to be sorted but it’s time to focus on the things that will be handled on the field, like position battles. That’s what training camp is all about, guys competing for roster spots and playing time over one another.
The Colts traded for Matt Ryan this offseason so there isn’t a high-profile quarterback battle to follow but Indy does have several other competitions for fans to tune into. Here are four training camp battles Indianapolis will have before the season starts.
Colts will have a battle for left tackle
The battle for left tackle is probably the biggest position battle Indy will have this summer. At one of the most important positions, the starting job will likely come down to a veteran with limited starting experience in Matt Pryor, or a talented rookie in Bernhard Raimann.
Pryor is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has never been a full-time starter. In two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and one with the Colts, he has played in 44 games and started 15. However, his time as a reserve last season impressed Indy enough to give him the first shot at left tackle.
That didn’t stop Indianapolis from drafting Bernhard Raimann in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Raimann is a former tight end that converted to left tackle just two years ago. However, he took naturally to the position and uses his athleticism to his benefit.
While Pryor will start training camp as the No. 1, he will have to deliver every day to hold off the talented rookie that’s preparing as if he is the starter. This is a position that Indy has to get right because Matt Ryan needs to be protected in order to have a quality passing attack.