Indianapolis Colts 2026 Training Camp Position Battle to Watch
NFL teams have wrapped up their respective organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps, and after a near month-long break, they'll pick things back up near the end of July for training camp.
The first preseason game takes place on Thursday, Aug. 6 on NBC when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals face off in the Hall of Fame Game. The rest of the preseason's first week will take place from Aug. 13-15, followed by Week 2 on Aug. 20-23, and Week 3 on Aug. 27-29.
But before the preseason gets underway, teams must first report to training camp. The Indianapolis Colts haven't announced the exact day they report to camp, but below is their biggest position battle to watch this summer.
Position Battle: DE | JT Tuimoloau vs. Arden Key
Outside of Laiatu Latu (61 pressures, 41 hurries, 12 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, 8.5 sacks), the Colts got very little from their pass-rush last season.
With Kwity Paye now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis has to find an answer opposite Latu to keep pace with the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South.
Tuimoloau eased into things during his rookie season. He recorded just 17 tackles, 14 pressures, eight hurries, and six QB hits - but he can certainly take on a larger role in 2026. Tuimoloau was a pass-rushing force at Ohio State.
He totaled 132 pressures, 76 hurries, 43.5 tackles for loss, 28 QB hits, 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries - and if he can hit that kind of production with the Colts, he and Latu will form one heck of a 1-2 punch off the edge.
Conversely, Key has potential but he hasn't lived up to it since entering the league in 2018. He's recorded 270 pressures, 165 hurries, and 30.5 sacks, but he's only hit 6.5 sacks twice and he's failed to show any consistency.
Key may win the job to start the year, but there's a good chance Tuimoloau emerges and surpasses him by midseason.
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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 9:54 PM.