3 Colts Starters Facing Pressure to Hold Onto Their Jobs This Preseason

Several starting spots on the Indianapolis Colts roster could be up for grabs during the preseason as younger players look to make a strong impression before the regular season begins.

While preseason games are often viewed as tune-ups, they also serve as an opportunity for coaches to evaluate position battles and determine whether any rising talent deserves a larger role. Here are three Colts starters who could find themselves challenged for playing time.

Grover Stewart | Defensive Tackle

Potential Challenger: Colby Wooden

Grover Stewart has been a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ defensive front for years, but entering his 10th NFL season, questions are beginning to surface about his long-term role.

Stewart’s run defense, once considered his greatest strength, declined noticeably in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 56.8 run-defense grade, the lowest of his career. With limited pass-rushing production and his 33rd birthday approaching, the veteran could face increased competition.

That competition comes from Colby Wooden, who joins the Colts after producing the best season of his NFL career. Wooden offers greater athleticism and more upside as a pass rusher, making him an intriguing option as Indianapolis looks toward the future.

While DeForest Buckner remains firmly entrenched as a starter when healthy, Stewart’s position appears less secure. If Wooden excels throughout training camp and the preseason, he could earn a starting role or significantly reduce Stewart’s snap count.

Arden Key | Defensive End

Potential Challenger: Jaylahn Tuimoloau

After missing out on signing star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Colts turned to veteran Arden Key to help fill the void opposite Laiatu Latu.

Key brings experience after appearing in 116 NFL games, recording 30.5 sacks, 192 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, and 96 quarterback hits during his career. That experience currently gives him the inside track to a starting job.

However, Indianapolis invested a second-round pick in Jaylahn Tuimoloau, whose upside could eventually outweigh Key’s veteran presence.

Tuimoloau had a quiet rookie season, totaling 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, and six quarterback hits, but the coaching staff still believes he has the tools to become an impact defender.

With the defensive end rotation lacking established depth, Tuimoloau has a clear opportunity to earn more playing time. A standout preseason could allow him to leapfrog Key and secure a starting role before Week 1.

Matt Goncalves | Guard

Potential Challenger: Jalen Farmer

Matt Goncalves has already shown his versatility during his first two seasons in Indianapolis, starting at multiple positions along the offensive line when injuries created opportunities.

After Will Fries departed in free agency, Goncalves became the favorite to take over at right guard. His 2025 campaign was respectable, earning Pro Football Focus grades of 65.9 overall, 65.9 as a run blocker, and 62.7 in pass protection.

Despite those solid marks, Goncalves struggled with consistency in pass protection, allowing 34 pressures during the season—one of the highest totals among qualifying NFL guards.

That leaves the door open for rookie Jalen Farmer, whom the Colts selected in the fourth round out of Kentucky. Farmer impressed throughout the pre-draft process and is viewed as more than just a developmental depth piece.

If the rookie performs well during training camp and preseason action, he could challenge Goncalves for the starting right guard job. While Goncalves enters camp as the favorite, Farmer has the physical tools and potential to make the competition much closer than expected.

Preseason Battles Worth Watching

The Colts enter the preseason with several key positions still unsettled. Veterans like Grover Stewart, Arden Key, and Matt Goncalves currently hold starting roles, but younger challengers Colby Wooden, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, and Jalen Farmer all have opportunities to force difficult decisions for the coaching staff.

Strong preseason performances could reshape Indianapolis’ depth chart before the regular season begins, making these position battles some of the team’s most intriguing storylines to monitor.