The Indianapolis Colts are now practicing with pads on in 2026 training camp, so the hitting has begun. In other words, the real games don't feel too far away. In fact, they aren't. Indy begins the season on September 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.
While Indianapolis has several high-quality veterans, the team is going to need a bunch of rookies to step up at key spots. Inside linebacker, for instance, could see at least one first-year player start, and maybe two. How much those players learned in training camp is going to be obvious.
While rookies make mistakes, they also provide fresh athleticism and enthusiasm. A rookie can be the difference between a win and a loss, and in a positive way. Many among the first-year class are getting noticed, and mostly for good reasons.
Indianapolis Colts rookie updates near the end of Week 1 at 2026 training camp
CJ Allen, LB
The inside linebacker missed the first couple of days of training camp with a minor camp strain. Since he has returned, he has picked back up where he left off in offseason workouts, which is a very high level. He hasn't just battled for a starting spot, but has likely cemented one.
While he has joked about speaking with a Southern twang, and that might be difficult to understand for some teammates, the overall point is that he is the one relaying defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's defensive play-calls. If that continues into the regular season, which is likely, he will be the first rookie to have been the green dot on an Anarumo defense.
Verdict: After a slow start, exactly where he should be
AJ Haulcy, S
If one needed further proof that Haulcy has a very good chance of starting at one safety spot opposite Cam Bynum, one need look no further than Anarumo telling the media, "He hasn't had a mental error to my recollection. So he keeps that up, and that'll be good for him in his field."
The key part is that Haulcy is already apparently thinking like a veteran. The rookie has the physical skills to be good, including creating turnovers as he did in college, but if he is mentally prepared to play, then he likely will. He could be the disruptor in pass coverage that the outgoing Nick Cross never was.
Verdict: Stock rising
Bryce Boettcher, LB
Boettcher was a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft out of Oregon and did two things exceedingly well in college. One was covering running backs and tight ends, and that is something the Colts have struggled with in recent years. He was also stout against the run.
Ultimately, he appears to be the ideal type of linebacker for Lou Anarumo's system. So far in training camp, he has split reps with veteran Akeen Davis-Gaither, a player who might have the edge to start because he has played under Anarumo before, when both were with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Still, the DC has raved about Boettcher at times, telling the media, "Another young guy who is learning, but I think he is very intentional about what he does. You hear about boxers where they're heavy-handed. He's a heavy-handed guy. When he hits you, you can feel it. I think he'll continue to shine when the pads come up."
Verdict: Stock neutral but with the ability to rise
Caden Curry, Edge rusher
The edge rusher still has an uphill battle to move up the depth chart, but general manager Chris Ballard is happy with what he is seeing so far. Ballard gave the Center Grove product the compliment of being a "football player." That implies Curry might not have elite athleticism, but he understands how to make plays.
He might be expected to do so in 2026, too. Other than Laiatu Latu, the Indianapolis Colts' edge rush group is iffy at best. The position needs a player to make an unexpected impact, and Curry might be just starting to do that.
Verdict: Stock neutral but with hope
Seth McGowan, RB
Maybe the unsung star of Colts camp so far, the seventh-round selection might find himself as RB2 by the time the season begins. He has the size and strength to move the chains and has flashed a bit of explosiveness, too. Maybe most importantly, he is a willing and efficient blocker in pass protection.
Superstar Jonathan Taylor has even raved about McGowan's footwork, comparing him to Houston Texans running back David Montgomery in a very positive way. McGowan won't be expected to be the lead back, but he could pick up a bunch of reps during the regular season.
Verdict: Stock rising rapidly
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