Three non-starters to watch during the Colts' preseason opener against the Broncos on Sunday

The Indianapolis Colts are kicking off thier preseason action of 2024 today against the Denver Broncos.

Head coach Shane Steichen shared that starters will play a couple of drives , but multiple players battling for backup jobs and roster spots are going to have their chance to prove themselves.

And there are three players I'm the most excited to see play today.

Colts' non-starters to watch

Jelani Woods

I shared after Friday's practice that third year TE Jelani Woods has yet to have a practice where he separates himself from the other TEs on the Colts roster. And that I think he is truly fighting for a roster spot as much as he's fighting for a starting role in the teams offense. Today's preseason game is going to give the athletic phenom the chance to put on a show and grab the attention of the Colts offensive staff. And essentially force them to make a role for him in the offense this year. If he continues to fade into he background though, it could lead to him being a shocking cut when the team cuts down to 53.

Tanor Bortolini

The Colts drafted Tanor Bortolini in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He has been playing both center and guard during training camp. But I think he has the potential to be the team's future starter at center whenever Ryan Kelly either retires or if he were to leave in free agency. I hope to see Bortolini working as the second team center today, but they could have him play guard with the second team and center with the third team as he continues to battle with veteran Danny Pinter.

Adetomiwa Adebawore

With DeForest Buckner being held out of today's game for rest, we could see Adetomiwa Adebawore even earlier than expected with the starters. Adebawore's next level athleticism gives him a lot of upside as a pass rusher out of the interior. He only got to play sparingly as a rookie last season as his focus as a rookie was to develop his game. So I'm excited to see how improved he is entering year two. A team source recently shared that they believe Adebawore is the most improved players on the Colts defensive line that is nearly all returning from last year.

Related: Two Colts starters are being held out of the team's preseason matchup against the Broncos

Related: How to watch, stream, or listen to the Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos preseason game on Sunday