Biggest takeaways from Day 8 of Indianapolis Colts training camp

The Indianapolis Colts are overt he halfway point of training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

This is expected to be a lighter week with Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday off with as the Colts prepare for the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

It was another lively day at Colts training camp with the offense and defense trading blows on each side.

Here's a look at the biggest takeaways from Monday's practice:

Takeaways from Day 8 of Colts training camp

Anthony Richardson inefficient, but explosive

The last few practices have shown Richardson deal with some inefficient passing. Monday's practice continued that trend. However, the explosive plays are still there, which is an encouraging sign that Richardson can somewhat mitigate the times when he is inefficient.

According to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated, Richardson was 5-of-11 (45.5%) with a touchdown to Mo Alie-Cox in the red zone. He was also intercepted by safety Nick Cross. Arthur noted that "Monday was a good example of Richardson being productive still while not being sharp due to his ability to move around and keep plays alive."

Big day for young safeties

The Colts have a massive question mark at the safety position — specifically the free safety spot. The battle between Cross and Rodney Thomas II is far from determined. Cross made an incredible diving interception against Richardson, who was targeting Kylen Granson in the end zone.

Meanwhile, Thomas grabbed a pass from Joe Flacco and the second-team offense on the following drive. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley mentioned they will know who won the free safety job "as soon as someone consistently steps up."

For now, it remains a major mystery and question mark.

A big day for the run game

While the passing offense may have struggled with consistency, the run game seemed to have taken a big step forward with Richardson, Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon leading the way.

According to Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star, "Taylor had several nice carries, picking his way through the middle of the line and exploding into the secondary." Meanwhile, Richardson had a "pair of nice scrambles, picking up roughly eight and 10 yards" before a rushing touchdown.

As for Sermon, he "put together a nice run for the second consecutive day, adding a little momentum to his camp so far."

Injury report

NFI list : DT Raekwon Davis (illness)

Did not practice: DE Dayo Odeyingbo (calf), TE Will Mallory (hamstring), LB Jaylon Carlies (hip), LB Liam Anderson (undisclosed)

Cornerback Chris Lammons (ankle) was removed from the PUP list before Monday's practice, and safety Kendall Brooks returned to practice after missing Sunday's session.

Offensive lineman Wesley French was carted off during practice

Quick notes

Jelani Woods is getting plenty of opportunities, but he has struggled notably with concentration drops.

Anthony Gould, Josh Downs and Ethan Fernea acted as the punt returners during Monday's practice.

Rookie Jaylin Simpson, working with the cornerbacks, made a nice pass break-up.

Defensive end Kwity Paye continued his strong camp with another would-be sack during the team portion of practice.

What's next?

The Colts will have Tuesday off before returning to practice Wednesday.

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