The Indianapolis Colts didn't need to play most starters in the preseason, especially on offense. However, just because they could afford that luxury doesn't mean they didn't have some things to iron out in the three dress rehearsals.
Young players needed crucial reps to develop and show what they could do. Veterans had to prove themselves and beat their competition in position battles, and coaches knew this was the right time to test things out.
That's why, after a Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions, several guys might not feel great about themselves right now. Here, we'll talk about the four players whose stock is definitely trending in the wrong direction right now.
4 Indianapolis Colts players with falling stock after Week 3 of the preseason
Linebacker CJ Allen
For the second consecutive game, rookie linebacker CJ Allen was a talking point for all the wrong reasons. He failed to record a single tackle in the first half, struggling to get off blocks and looking lost in most assignments.
Of course, there's no way the Colts will cut their second-round pick, especially after he missed so much time in training camp with injuries. That said, he looks unplayable now, and it might be much longer than expected before he can actually contribute to Lou Anarumo's defense.
Quarterback Riley Leonard
Given Anthony Richardson's very public trade request and situation, it always looked like the Colts' backup quarterback job was Riley Leonard's to lose. Fast forward to today, and they might as well keep their flawed first-round pick over Leonard.
Once again, he failed to make the most of his opportunities to separate in this race. He completed just three of seven passes for 48 yards and one head-scratching pick. The arm talent is there, as he proved with an absolute 25-yard dime on 4th-and-6, but that was pretty much it.
Kicker Blake Grupe
While he didn't miss a kick this time, Blake Grupe is clearly the loser in the Colts' kicker competition. It looked like it was his job to lose after Spencer Shrader showed the more accurate and stronger leg in the past couple of weeks, and it may have been too little, too late to prove otherwise to the team.
Grupe knocked down two field goals and one PAT vs. the Lions, but he finished the preseason with two misses, one from 61. Shrader, on the other hand, converted all five of his field goals, including a 60-yarder in the finale. That should do it.
Edge rusher Jaylahn Tuimoloau
While most fans expected Jaylahn Tuimoloau to be the next man up on defense, he may have found his place on special teams. He had two solid reps on kickoff coverage, but those were probably the only times he made a highlight play in the preseason.
Through three games and training camp, he has been a total no-show, struggling to generate pressure and shake off backup offensive linemen, and watching rookies Caden Curry and George Gumbs Jr. outplay him has only made him look worse. He won't get cut, but he's left plenty to be desired.
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