Colts vs. Patriots: Preseason Opener Provides Early Test

The Indianapolis Colts will open their 2026 preseason Thursday night when they travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, giving both teams their first opportunity to evaluate players in live game action.

For the Colts, the matchup comes after a week of preparation that included a joint practice with the Patriots. That practice provided both teams with valuable competition before Thursday night’s game and gave coaches an early look at how their players respond against another NFL roster.

One of the biggest storylines for Indianapolis will be the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard have all been competing for opportunities, and the preseason opener should give the Colts a chance to evaluate their quarterbacks in a real game environment. Jones has also put together an impressive training camp, including a strong showing during the joint practice.

The Colts will also be watching several position battles, including the competition for the No. 2 running back job. Young players such as Seth McGowan will have opportunities to make an impression and potentially earn larger roles as the preseason continues.

New England enters the game with its own roster questions. The Patriots aren’t expected to play many of their starters, putting the spotlight on younger players and those fighting for roster spots.

While the final score won’t carry much weight, Thursday night’s matchup is an important first step for both teams. For players on the roster bubble, every snap could be an opportunity to prove they belong.

The Colts and Patriots may only be playing a preseason game, but there will be plenty to watch as the road toward the regular season officially begins.