Indianapolis Colts: 3 Things to watch for in Preseason Week 1

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 05: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts celibrates a touchdown reception against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

3. Wide receiver depth

There were a lot of rumors that the Indianapolis Colts were entertaining the idea of trading T.Y. Hilton last season. That would have been terrible.

First off, there’s no way the team would have gotten the kind of compensation that would have equaled what he brings to the field each and every week. Second, their wide receiver depth chart would have been beyond ugly without Hilton.

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As it stands now, their wide receivers will scare no one. Hilton is a threat, but behind him is Ryan Grant and a lot of unknowns. Even Grant isn’t necessarily a huge target as last season was his first year of decent production in four years with the Washington Redskins.

Grant finished with 573 yards off 45 receptions, but it took injuries and ineffective play ahead of him for Grant to even manage that.

Beyond them, things only get bleaker. Chester Rogers, K.J. Brent, Daurice Fountain, Deon Cain and James Wright highlight the group of players who will be fighting for snaps.

Should Hilton or Grant miss any time at all, things could get ugly in the passing game unless someone steps up. The biggest candidate has to be Cain, who did show flashes while at Clemson but lasted until the sixth-round of this season’s draft. Their game against Seattle will be the first chance for one of these guys to make an impression.