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It has been a long offseason, but the NFL is back after the Hall of Fame game was played last Thursday. Fans have been waiting to see their teams get back on the field and that will be the case for the Indianapolis Colts as they take on the Buffalo Bills in their first full week of preseason action.
Andrew Luck and company were a major surprise last season, making it into the playoffs and even knocking off the Houston Texans in their Wild Card matchup. Unfortunately, the Colts ended up losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. Now, the team has high expectations heading into the 2019 season.
The Colts have had some concern surrounding their franchise quarterback so far in training camp. He suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf strain and has been kept out of practice. Luck thinks he'll be good to go for Week 1 of the regular season, but that remains to be seen.
Looking ahead to this week's preseason opener, the Colts are going to be taking a look at quite a few young players and backups. Fans always enjoy seeing the lesser-known players get an opportunity, which is always the case in Week 1 preseason games.
All of that being said, which three players should the Colts' fan base make sure to keep an eye on this week?
3. Ben Banogu, Linebacker
Starting things off is rookie linebacker Ben Banogu, who was drafted by the Colts with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He is known for great athleticism and instincts, but does need to learn how to rush the passer a bit better. Indianapolis has focused on finding speed at the linebacker position, which Banogu fits right in with.
Banogu was projected to go in the fourth or fifth round by most mock drafts, but the Colts took him in the second. He should get a decent amount of run in the preseason. Fans will enjoy getting their first look at him against the Bills, unless he is unable to play due to a hamstring injury that he has been dealing with so far in camp.
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2. Daurice Fountain, Wide Receiver
The Colts added a lot of talent at the wide receiver position this offseason, signing Devin Funchess and drafting Parris Campbell. Daurice Fountain is entering his second NFL season and has had a solid camp thus far. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has great size and a work ethic to match it.
Fountain will be fighting for a roster spot with all of the other talented receivers on the roster. He is looking to play well in the preseason to prove that the Colts should keep him around for another year.
1. Chad Kelly, Quarterback
Finally, and most interestingly, the Colts have given quarterback Chad Kelly another opportunity. He has been practicing hard as he looks to make the final roster. Frank Reich has also taken an interest in him, especially with the ties that he has to Jim Kelly, who is Chad's uncle.
Kelly has had run-ins with law enforcement off the field that derailed his career. He has a lot of talent, but has some things working against him. Playing well during the preseason would be a big step in the right direction towards getting his career back on track.
