The Indianapolis Colts face the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, trying to break a curse of home openers. The game is very winnable for Indy, though, especially as the Dolphins have made a lot of defensive changes, and not for the better.
Of course, the Colts will have a new starting quarterback in the person of Daniel Jones. His production and efficiency are a real question, but his health likely isn't. This is a change from Anthony Richardson, the 2023 first-round pick who has started parts of the last two seasons, and would have started more except for getting hurt.
A positive aspect of the Colts' preparation for Week 1 is that Indy isn't faced with too many injuries currently. Training camp and the preseason took a toll on the secondary, but in Week 1, all players who didn't have to be placed on injured reserve should be good to go.
Indianapolis Colts' first injury report for Week 1 is nearly pristine
The only player that had any designation on Wednesday's injury report was running back DJ Giddens. He was limited in practice with an elbow injury. The expectation, however, is that he will be able to play in Week 1.
Giddens is a promising rookie and could develop into a three-down back who can be explosive rushing the ball and catching passes, but let's be real. If, for some reason, Giddens cannot play, the Colts are not going to change their approach.
Jonathan Taylor is the alpha of the running back room. He is going to get the ball a lot, and Giddens was simply going to get his leftovers.
Daniel Jones being healthy should also make Anthony Richardson feel more importance in staying healthy as well. He recently said he didn't want a new person to come into Indy and "take his food." Daniel Jones did just that because he stays healthier and doesn't turn the ball over.
Now, of course, the hope is that the Indianapolis Colts beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, but do not suffer any new injuries in the meantime. Staying healthy is key for any team to be successful. Let's hope the Colts get a break in that area this season.
Update: On Thursday, Giddens was also the only player listed on the injury report, and he was a limited participant.