Colts vs. Ravens: 5 Players to Watch

As the Colts prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in what they hope is the beginning of a successful season, there are plenty of storylines and positional battles to follow. Whether it's a fight for a starting job or a final push to make the 53-man roster, here are some players to keep an eye on this Thursday at 7 p.m. EST.

QB Battle

All reports this offseason have only intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the Colts' quarterback situation. As it stands, Richardson appears to be narrowly edging out his competition. Still, as most fans know, strong training camp performances do not always translate into regular-season success.

According to head coach Shane Steichen, Richardson is expected to play about a third of Thursday's game. When it comes to securing the starting job, this will be his most important test so far. The general consensus is that if Richardson can show signs of growth, particularly in terms of accuracy, the job is his to lose. The matchup against the Ravens should serve as a meaningful indicator of just how much the young quarterback has progressed.

Daniel Jones is also expected to see the field on Thursday. If he delivers a steady, reliable performance while Richardson struggles, the former Giants quarterback could close the gap in the competition. However, if Jones continues to show turnover issues, even against Baltimore’s second-string defense, Richardson may leave Baltimore with a firm grip on the starting role.

Jelani Woods

The former UVA tight end has been something of an enigma since the Colts selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. A rare athletic talent, Jelani Woods earned a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), standing at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds. His physical tools are undeniable and continue to generate intrigue.

However, after suffering two season-ending injuries, Woods has begun slipping down the depth chart, overtaken by more specialized players. His ceiling remains sky-high, but with Andrew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox providing reliable in-line blocking, and rookie standout Will Mallory continuing to progress, Woods is now fighting for the final tight end spot on the 53-man roster.

Enter Will Mallory, the Colts' fifth-round pick in 2023. While Mallory lacks Woods’ imposing frame, he brings polished route running and dependable hands—two traits the Colts desperately missed last season. Heading into training camp, many assumed Woods would separate himself easily from Mallory. That has not been the case.

Mallory has quietly strung together multiple strong practices. His ball-tracking skills, smooth movement, and growing chemistry with Richardson have caught the attention of coaches. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has praised Mallory in recent press conferences, hinting at increased confidence in the young tight end.

Woods, on the other hand, has not drawn similar praise. His return from injury appears to be a slower process than anticipated, and the most recent Colts depth chart placed him behind Mallory. That could remain the case unless Woods delivers some standout performances in the weeks ahead.

DJ Giddens

I’m incredibly bullish on DJ Giddens and firmly believe he has the potential to become the Colts’ workhorse back in the future. As it stands, the RB2 spot remains up for grabs, with both Tyler Goodson and Khalil Herbert in the mix to claim the role.

To separate himself, Giddens will need to excel in areas where Jonathan Taylor has shown limitations—particularly in pass protection and receiving out of the backfield. These traits will be key in earning trust from the coaching staff.

Training camp often highlights pass catchers, as those reps are easier to simulate than live rushing scenarios. That makes the preseason all the more important in evaluating who will ultimately emerge as Taylor’s primary backup.

Anthony Gould

By all accounts, Gould has had an impressive offseason. The challenge he faces is the sheer depth of the Colts’ wide receiver room, which is packed with talent beyond just the starting trio. Still, Gould has earned meaningful reps with the second-team offense, and even some snaps with the starters, allowing him to build chemistry with the Colts’ quarterbacks.

The preseason will offer a valuable opportunity to evaluate Gould more closely, especially with mid-roster players receiving extended playing time. If he can continue to stand out, he may force himself into the conversation.

Right now, much of the attention is on AD Mitchell, and understandably so. But the former Oregon State standout should not be overlooked. If Josh Downs were to miss time, Gould could be a strong candidate to step into the slot and provide reliable production.

Joe Bachie

Offense always tends to dominate offseason conversations, as it is usually what generates the most excitement among fans. Still, since the defense is on the field for about half the game, it only seems fair to highlight a few defensive players worth watching as well.

First, the cornerback room deserves attention. What initially looked like a heated competition has largely fizzled out, with the rookie out of Minnesota emerging as the clear frontrunner. Injuries have further thinned the depth at the position, raising questions about who will even be available to suit up on Thursday.

Equally compelling is the battle at linebacker. By all accounts, Joe Bachie has been a standout during training camp, especially in pass coverage—a major weakness for the Colts last season. With injuries sidelining both Zaire Franklin and Jaylon Carlies, lesser-known players have been given chances to run with the starters. Bachie has made the most of those reps, yet he remains listed as a second-stringer behind Franklin and Cameron McGrone. A strong showing in Thursday’s game could push him into serious consideration for a starting role in a crowded and competitive linebacker group.