The Indianapolis Colts have begun their preseason with question marks surrounding the availability of Andrew Luck for the second-straight season. Only this time, Luck is missing practices due to injury and not returning from one as he did last year.
Despite the concerns with Luck, the Colts are moving forward without their franchise quarterback for the time being. In Indianapolis' preseason opener, they faced the Buffalo Bills but ended the game on the losing end by the score of 24-16.
Undeterred by the loss, second-year head coach Frank Reich was pleased with some of the young players. Among them, Chad Kelly showcased his talent from under center with 53 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
The troubled quarterback was hoping to replicate his performance in Week 2 of the preseason against the Cleveland Browns. Throughout the week leading up to the game on Saturday, the Colts took part in joint practices with the new-look Browns.
Both teams kicked off the game with their backup quarterbacks in the game with Luck and Baker Mayfield patrolling the sidelines. In the end, Indianapolis was unable to get their first preseason victory against the Browns, losing 21-18.
Here are three of the biggest performances for the Colts in their second preseason game against the Browns.
3. Deon Cain (7 Receptions, 80 Receiving Yards)
When the Colts have to make cuts for the 53-man roster, the Colts will have a tough time deciding at the wide receiver position. Deon Cain is among the wideouts on the roster who are trying to earn a prominent role on the team this year.
The Colts drafted Cain in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Unfortunately, the rookie wide receiver suffered a torn ACL in the preseason opener in 2018.
There was some hype surrounding Cain as a rookie and that same feeling has carried into his second season in the NFL. On Saturday against the Browns, Cain caught seven passes for 80 yards to lead the team in both statistics.
With the team signing Devin Funchess in the offseason and drafting Parris Campbell, it may be tough for Cain to get much run with the offense. Nevertheless, the second-year standout is proving himself to be a possible candidate for becoming a viable weapon for the Colts in the future.
2. Chad Kelly (12-17, 115 Passing Yards, 1 Touchdown)
As mentioned before, Chad Kelly has impressed with his development so far with the Colts this summer. In his preseason debut in Indianapolis, Kelly threw for 121 yards and made some plays with his legs.
The former Last Chance U star continued his poised play under center with another notable performance against the Browns. Kelly completed 70.6% of his passes for 115 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Unlike last week, the second-year quarterback was unable to get anything going on the ground. The 25-year old nephew of NFL legend, Jim Kelly found himself in a sticky situation in 2018 after being arrested for trespassing into a stranger's house.
As a result, Kelly was released from the Denver Broncos and was suspended for the first two games of the 2019 season for his October arrest. The young quarterback is trying to prove he's matured since that incident and is doing a phenomenal job showing it.
1. Jacoby Brissett (8-10, 100 Passing Yards, 1 Touchdown, 11 Rushing Yards)
Entering the 2019 season, the status of Luck for Week 1 of the regular season is a mystery. Nonetheless, the Colts have to feel comfortable with their current backup situation with Jacoby Brissett.
Indianapolis' backup signal-caller was the starter for Week 2 of the preseason and was nearly flawless with his arm. Brissett aired it out for 100 yards, completing 80% of his passes and delivered a 12-yard touchdown pass to Eric Ebron in the second quarter.
The fourth-year quarterback is entering his third season with the team and could be relied upon to be the starter when the Colts kick off their season against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Just two years ago, Brissett was traded to the Colts from the New England Patriots to fill in for Luck. In 2017, Luck missed the entire season due to a shoulder injury. In the meantime, Brissett played fairly well as the starter with 3,098 yards and 17 total touchdowns under center.
The North Carolina State product showed why he is arguably the best backup quarterback in the NFL against the Browns on Saturday.
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