In a preseason game that did not feature the Colts starters, including QB Anthony Richardson, there was plenty of opportunity for the second and third string players to showcase their abilities to impact this team.
In this article, I will highlight several players that made an impact on Saturday and also made a case that they can be a key contributor to this team.
LB Grant Stuard
If you were able to catch even a little bit of Saturday’s game, you probably kept seeing this linebacker fly around and hustle to the ball. That linebacker was Grant Stuard who is fighting for a spot on this roster. Aside from his hustle, Stuard showcased a consistent ability to make tackles in space. He is fast, strong, and has a big presence in the middle of the defense.
Locked on Colts contributor Zach Hicks made a point from the last preseason game that Stuard is in a good position to be a lock a part of this defense. Stuard played very well in game one and did not miss a beat in game two.
WR Josh Downs
Another shining start for the Colts was slot receiver Josh Downs. His connection with Gardner Minshew was almost unbeatable as he continually got open running across the middle of the field and creating yards in space. Pairing Downs with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the outside could be something very special for this offense moving forward. If Downs is not already the top slot receiver on this roster, he needs to be!
CB Jaylon Jones
Jones looked like one of the better cornerbacks out there on Saturday and he has two pass deflections and a special teams tackle. The cornerback position is still up in the air for starters. The only certain starter is Kenny Moore II, so it’s up to these young guys to step up and make a case to be on a part of the 53. Jones certainly made a case for himself. It was very encouraging to see what he is capable of doing.
Below are a few other notable players that made an impact in Saturday’s game.
QB Gardner Minshew was consistent and methodical as always. Minshew is a good quality backup QB who can win games for the team and limit mistakes. The backup role normally gets overlooked by fans, but when you need a backup QB to perform, it’s comforting to know that we have one of the better ones.
DE Titus Leo also earned his first preseason sack at the end of the half on Saturday. He made a splash in game two.
WR Juwann Winfree also looked good on the touchdown drive making moves in space and snagging a ball that could’ve been intercepted in the endzone.
The Lucky Colt 
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