Three Colts starters—Kenny Moore II, Alec Pierce, and Bernhard Raimann—returned to practice as Indianapolis wrapped another training camp session, each nursing an earlier issue (knee, groin, and ankle respectively). Their returns come amid a summer that has seen several teammates hit IR or miss time, including Hunter Wohler, Blake Freeland, and Jacob Phillips. Braden Smith exited the latest preseason game with a groin concern, while JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, Nick Cross, and Josh Downs have dealt with hamstring or hip issues. Timelines remain unclear for several others, keeping depth pieces in flux as camp continues.

For fantasy managers, Pierce’s quick return could stabilize the Colts’ passing game early in camp, Raimann’s health matters for pass protection and run blocking, and Moore’s presence bolsters a secondary that will be tested by a challenging schedule. The IR replacements—plus the uncertain statuses of Smith, Brents, and Downs—could open short-term targets and snap splits for younger players and veterans stepping into expanded roles as August progresses.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for a new season, and as training camps approach, projections for the starting lineup are starting to take shape. Notably, the Colts' projected starting offense is taking form, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is expected to leverage his dual-threat capabilities. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the passing game, aiming to improve on his previous performance. Meanwhile, the Colts’ defense, anchored by a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, appears ready to tackle the upcoming challenges of the season.

In terms of player evaluations, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has recently released grades for various Colts' safeties, including Nick Cross and the recently signed Cam Bynum, highlighting improvements that could impact defensive strategies. Additionally, Alec Pierce's early career success alongside Ja'Marr Chase showcases the potential for explosive plays from the receiver position, which could prove crucial for the Colts’ offensive strategy this season. As fans await the kickoff, these insights provide a glimpse into the expectations for the Colts' performance in 2023.

As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for the 2025 season, one player to watch is safety Nick Cross. Standing 6'0" and weighing 212 pounds, Cross has quickly established himself as a key player for the Colts. He recorded 140 total tackles last season, ranking among the top defenders in the league. With his impressive performance in the run game, where he ranked fourth in stops among safeties, Cross has proven he can make impactful plays.

In addition to his strong defensive presence, Cross also excelled in pass coverage, allowing fewer than ten yards per catch and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. Looking ahead, Cross is expected to continue his development under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who emphasizes versatility in the secondary. Cross will likely share the field with fellow safety Cam Bynum, and fans can expect to see more blitz opportunities in the upcoming season. With a growing reliance on defensive backs, Cross's ability to match up against tight ends and running backs could elevate his impact even further in 2025.

Pursuing a depth at safety becomes critical for the Indianapolis Colts as they prepare for the upcoming season. With Cam Bynum and Nick Cross set as the starters, both have shown promise—Bynum with his versatility and Cross after a breakout 2024 season. However, the depth chart behind them is concerningly thin. While Rodney Thomas has experience, having started 26 games, his defensive role was minimal last year. The Colts may need to seek additional experience to provide stability behind their starters.