12 Colts players to watch in preseason game vs. Patriots

The Indianapolis Colts open up their preseason schedule on the road against the New England Patriots. So which players should we be watching for as this game unfolds? The answer to that question centers around the number of key positional battles taking place at Colts' training camp this summer. Here are the players that I'll be watching closely. QB Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard Richardson will get the start and play through the first half before Leonard takes over. Shane Steichen has said on a few occasions that the competition is close. The most consistent of the two will earn the backup role. RB Seth McGowan With DJ Giddens sidelined with a hamstring injury, McGowan has been getting more opportunities in the backup role, and he has taken advantage, including the Colts' joint practice with the Patriots. McGowan adds a physical presence to the backfield. WR Asthon Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine These three are competing for the WR3 role. Dulin seems to be the front-runner, providing a steady presence. With Alec Pierce sidelined, Treadwell has often been the other outside wide receiver with the starters. Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed big-play potential, but has had ups and downs as well. Defensive end rotation Around Laiatu Latu this season, the Colts need a more consistent pass rush presence. It remains to be seen if Arden Key will play on Thursday -- he has been starting with Latu -- but Jaylahn Tuimoloau making a Year 2 jump will be important to the overall success of this unit. Micheal Clemons, George Gumbs, and Caden Curry are others to watch. Linebacker rotation Playing time is still up for grabs here. CJ Allen has been sidelined, and in his absence, we've seen a heavy rotation at this position with Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Ajiake, Jaylon Carlies, and Bryce Boettcher all seemingly in the mix. AJ Haulcy, Hunter Wohler When it comes to determining who will start next to Cam Bynum, it would appear that Haulcy and Wohler are the likely candidates. Wohler had taken most of the starting reps before an injury sidelined him for several practices. Haulcy brings a versatile skill set to the position and had strong ball production in college. Blake Grupe, Spencer Shrader Up to this point, Grupe seems to have the clear advantage in this competition. Can he maintain that edge? Preseason performance will likely carry a bit more weight in the evaluation process. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 12 Colts players to watch in preseason game vs. Patriots