The Indianapolis Colts have much to focus on this season, including where improvements could be made. The team needed more from the core in 2022 and did not get it, leading to a shocking 4-12-1 record.
While many parts of the franchise are new, including the head coach and quarterback roles, several veterans have been vital staples but could see their tenure close during this season or shortly after.
We took a look at the players with the most to gain at training camp. Now, here are the five Colts players with the most to lose:
1
CB Kenny Moore II
Once considered one of the top slot corners in the league, cornerback Kenny Moore has been anything but that since being named to the Pro Bowl in 2021. Far removed from his “lightning in a bottle” days, Moore ended 2022 on a sour note, missing five games due to injury, recording no interceptions, and racking up his lowest solo tackles number since 2019.
Perhaps more salt in the wound, Moore’s pre-season contract holdout (only to not perform to a level equal to his demands) likely factored in the team’s decision to look for trade partners to take him this offseason. Ultimately, the Colts decided to keep him, but if Moore doesn’t play like the star he once was, his desire for a new contract likely won’t happen.
2
C Ryan Kelly
Like Moore, center Ryan Kelly did not have a great season in 2022. Transparently, Kelly hasn’t entirely looked like himself since 2020. In 2021, he allowed the second-most pressures and fifth-most sacks among centers. In 2022, he allowed the sixth-most pressures and third-most sacks among centers.
Part of Kelly’s struggles could be attributed to an offensive line that struggled mightily as a unit, but the Colts are paying Kelly to be an exceptional leader and rise above his peers. As a result, Kelly also found himself on the trade block this season, and despite a decision to keep him as well, another down season could mean the last of Kelly as a Colt. Though his starting spot is likely safe, Kelly must show he is capable of putting together a bounce-back campaign.
3
TE Mo Alie-Cox
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox is an intriguing player with tremendous upside but one that has failed to meet expectations. When tight end Jack Doyle retired in 2022, the Colts tapped Alie-Cox to step into the role of TE1, including giving him a three-year extension.
The team did not expect him to have the same production as Doyle, but it’s reasonable to assume they wanted more out of him than he produced last season: 189 yards, three touchdowns, and a career-low 9.9 yards per reception. Like Kelly and Moore, Alie-Cox was on the trade block this year. He could be traded at the trade deadline if he doesn’t produce early on.
4
DE Tyquan Lewis
General manager Chris Ballard drafted defensive end Tyquan Lewis in 2018 with hopes that he could be a game-wrecker when given opportunities. Lewis found pay dirt early, making a name for himself as a solid rotational pass rusher on the edge and the interior. But, injuries have derailed most of his promising outputs.
In 2021, he suffered a torn patellar tendon during a Week 8 game against the Titans. Last season, he also suffered a patellar tendon tear, but in his other knee, during a Week 8 game. The Colts have shown extreme good faith by re-signing Lewis twice, but if injuries derail this season’s campaign, it will likely be the last chance he’ll have with the team.
5
RG Will Fries
Entering training camp, Fries is the clear favorite to hold the starting right guard position. He started the final eight games of the 2022 season at that spot and held the role throughout the spring workouts. However, he still must prove he’s worthy of holding that starting role as things can get out of hand quickly (see: Danny Pinter in 2022).
If the Colts don’t bring in veteran competition via free agency when camp opens next week, Fries is still likely to be considered the favorite. But he still has to prove he’s worthy of the starting role with a strong showing at training camp.
