The Indianapolis Colts' three-game preseason slate and joint practice plans are now set.
The NFL announced on Wednesday that the league's preseason slate is now official.
The Indianapolis Colts have made their preseason plans known for weeks now, and head coach Shane Steichen also announced joint practices for training camp last week.
"For this training camp, we’ll do a joint practice against New England (Patriots). We’ll go there. Do one day against those guys. Then Atlanta (Falcons) will come here Week 2, and we’ll get two days of work against them as well," Steichen said.
WEEK 1
Thurs., Aug. 13: Colts @ Patriots, 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX59)
The Colts will hold a day of joint practice on the road against the Patriots during the first week of preseason, just as they did last year with the Baltimore Ravens. If the Colts' history is any indicator, the practice will likely be on Tue., Aug. 11, with the game two days later.
"[The Colts] will be a very good team to go against," Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel recently told reporters. "This is a very good offensive football team. Shane [Steichen]’s an excellent offensive coach and excellent head coach. A very good offensive line, versatility on their defense. So, that will be an important day for us."
The Patriots are the reigning Super Bowl runner-up, so this is an immediate barometer for the Colts.
WEEK 2
Sat., Aug. 22: Falcons @ Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS4)
The Colts will host a pair of joint practices against the Falcons ahead of their game, likely on Wed., Aug. 19 and Thurs., Aug. 20.
Atlanta is having an open quarterback competition between incumbent Michael Penix Jr. and newcomer Tua Tagovailoa. They offer a variety of issues to opponents on both sides of the ball, featuring running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., edge defender Jalon Walker, and cornerback A.J. Terrell. Plus, the Falcons signed two former Colts in free agency, running back Tyler Goodson and edge Samson Ebukam.
WEEK 3
Sat., Aug. 29: Lions @ Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS4)
The Colts will finish the preseason at home with an early kick against head coach Dan Campbell's Lions.
Detroit's explosive offense is loaded with talent, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa, as well as tight end Sam LaPorta, and will be a terrific matchup for the Colts' new-look defense.
After the preseason, every NFL team must cut its roster from 90 to 53 by 6:00 p.m. ET on Sun., Aug. 30.
