Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Joel Erickson
You had questions about Chris Ballard and what’s next for the Colts; our experts answered them
The Indianapolis Colts had an eventful Monday, Oct. 19, firing general manager Chris Ballard in the wake of a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans at home. After a day of reporting on the firing and its immediate aftermath, IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown answered reader questions about the local media, potential trades, the quarterback situation and offseason moves gone wrong. Here are highlights from their emergency podcast.
Is Nico Collins playing in Week 3? Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans injury report, prediction
The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans in NFL Week 3 action as both AFC South teams seek their first victory of the season. The Colts have been poor defensively, but they improved from a blowout Week 1 loss to take the Kansas City Chiefs to overtime in Week 2. The Texans lost a Week 1 shootout to the Buffalo Bills but didn't find the end zone in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans have won the past five matchups, all by 8 points or less.
Colts WR Alec Pierce ruled out with left heel injury; what we know
KANSAS CITY, MO — The Colts offense might have lost a critical piece of the passing attack. Alec Pierce , the deep threat who signed a four-year, $114 million contract this offseason because of his ability to take the top off defenses, was carted off the field after suffering an apparent injury to his left heel. The Colts declared Pierce out for the game shortly after taking him to the locker room. ESPN reported that X-rays were negative and the receiver would be evaluated further Monday.
Colts WR Alec Pierce ruled out with left heel injury; what we know
KANSAS CITY, MO — The Colts offense might have lost a critical piece of the passing attack. Alec Pierce, the deep threat who signed a four-year, $114 million contract this offseason because of his ability to take the top off defenses, was carted off the field after suffering an apparent injury to his left heel. The Colts declared Pierce out for the game shortly after taking him to the locker room. ESPN reported that X-rays were negative and the receiver would be evaluated further Monday.
When is the NFL Draft? Who are top NFL Draft prospects? Where to watch NFL Draft, order, tickets
Chris Sims Joel A. Erickson Nathan Brown Scott Horner Indianapolis Star Updated April 17, 2026, 6:44 a.m. ET The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. Admission to the draft is free, but fans must register for tickets via the NFL OnePass app or website. The draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Colts free agency updates, rumors and news: Dealing with miss on Trey Hendrickson
The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones are reportedly close to a two-year contract extension. A two-year deal could be a compromise due to Jones' recent Achilles tendon tear and previous injury history. Jones had a career-high 100.2 passer rating with the Colts last season before his injury. NFL teams can officially sign free agents beginning at 4 p.m. today and the Colts' biggest move could be done by then.
Colts GM Chris Ballard really wants to re-sign QB Daniel Jones; here's why
Updated Jan. 8, 2026, 4:40 p.m. ET Jones had a career-best season with the Colts before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Despite his injury history, the Colts are confident Jones will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. Jones is a pending free agent and would like to return to Indianapolis, though contract negotiations are pending.
Colts get bad news on DeForest Buckner's status for Jaguars
Updated Dec. 26, 2025, 3:49 p.m. ET INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are placing defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve after he aggravated the herniated disc in his neck during his return against San Francisco. Buckner will undergo surgery to repair the herniated disc, an injury that has been compressing a nerve in his neck and forced him to miss five games before his return to the lineup against the 49ers on Monday.
Bernhard Raimann injury update: Colts unsure of left tackle's status
Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann’s status remains uncertain as the Colts begin a week of preparation for the San Francisco 49ers. Raimann, the team’s starter on the blind side, suffered an elbow injury on the team’s touchdown drive near the end of the first half, left the game and did not return to the lineup. The big left tackle did return to the sideline with his helmet and his right arm heavily taped while wearing a brace, but he apparently was on the sideline only in case of emergency.
Why Colts QB Philip Rivers checked to a run on third-and-7 vs Seahawks
SEATTLE — Facing another third down with the game on the line, Philip Rivers called an audible. Three plays earlier, Rivers had fired a back-shoulder strike to Alec Pierce, the best throw of the 44-year-old’s day and the reason the Colts had a chance to take the lead. But this time, Rivers audibled, taking a look at Seattle’s defense and deciding that throwing for the first down wasn’t worth the risk of giving up a chance at the go-ahead field goal.
Who will Colts starting quarterback be at Seahawks this week? Shane Steichen's answer
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are not saying which quarterback they will start against the Seahawks. Not yet. Indianapolis is deciding between 44-year-old veteran Philip Rivers and sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard, who both took snaps with the first team in practice. “We’re working through that in the next couple of hours,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. According to Steichen, Rivers did look good in practice, better than the Colts expected.
Colts need more from Laiatu Latu to get inconsistent pass rush going; can he provide it?
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are going to need more from Laiatu Latu this season. Injury has complicated the picture for the first defender picked in the 2024 draft. A hamstring forced Latu to miss the Denver game and likely limited him a bit against Tennessee. Advertisement But Latu is still looking for his first sack and his first quarterback hit, and a Colts defense that has shown big-play promise needs its primary edge rusher to make more plays, a reality Latu himself understands.
The Colts punted for the first time this season: 'I was kind of pissed about it'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rigoberto Sanchez is finally on the board. The Colts had to punt. For the first time in the 2025 season, Indianapolis punted in the second quarter of Sunday’s 41-20 beatdown of the Titans, breaking a streak that covered 165 snaps, 19 offensive possessions and more than 77 minutes of game time without actually being forced to punt. Advertisement “I was kind of pissed about it, to be honest,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said.
Colts draw strength from support of Indy sports stars like Tyrese Haliburton, Caitlin Clark
INDIANAPOLIS — The stars of the Indianapolis sports scene were out at Lucas Oil on Sunday for the Colts’ 29-28 win over the Broncos, a victory that gives Indianapolis a 2-0 start for the first time since 2009. Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton watched the game from Pat McAfee’s suite, which has been full for the first two games after a few absences late last season.
Colts Shane Steichen admits he made mistake by going conservative at end of Denver win
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts head coach Shane Steichen admitted he made a critical mistake by getting too conservative at the end of Sunday’s 29-28 win over the Broncos. Steichen called three straight runs after Indianapolis picked up a first down at the Denver 43-yard line, picking up a total of one yard and leaving young kicker Spencer Shrader with a 60-yard field goal attempt to win the game.
Steichen works toward picking Colts' QB1
WESTFIELD, IN - The Colts are still searching for an answer to the most important battle of training camp. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen has not set a timetable to name a starting quarterback. But as the Colts break the Grand Park portion of training camp, it is clear time is drawing thin for a winner to emerge between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. "We'll work through that," Steichen said.
Colts lose promising rookie CB Justin Walley for the season due to a knee injury
The Colts lost a promising rookie in Baltimore, leaving uncertainty at a key starting spot heading into the season. Rookie cornerback Justin Walley suffered a torn ACL in the team’s joint practice against the Ravens on Tuesday, Colts coach Shane Steichen said after the team's 24-16 loss to Baltimore to open the preseason, ending his season before it began.
Myles Turner was 'under the weather.' But his blocks vs. Thunder were key in Game 3 win
INDIANAPOLIS – Myles Turner was far from his normal self in Game 3. Turner has spent a decade in Indianapolis waiting for this moment, a chance to lead the Pacers into an NBA Finals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and when it finally came, Turner walked into the arena batting cold-like symptoms that have sapped his energy the past couple of days. Advertisement The effects of Turner’s illness were palpable for most of the game. Pacers keen on re-signing Myles Turner.
What new Colts principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon learned on the headset
• Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon: 'I need to be able to say, ‘Is this person full of BS? Do they know what they’re talking about?'' • Irsay-Gordon also spends time on the practice field, positional meetings and in 1-on-1 conversations with players • Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen: 'If I owned a football team, I would definitely want to know what's going on on those sidelines' INDIANAPOLIS — For a long time now, Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s presence with the Colts has been easy to see.
Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren has picked his number; he explains why he picked it
INDIANAPOLIS — Tyler Warren’s beloved No. 44 is already in the hands of Colts middle linebacker Zaire Franklin. The number Indianapolis has issued their first-round pick initially has its own history at the tight end position. Advertisement Warren is wearing No. 84, a number that has recent history for the tight end position in Indianapolis. Jack Doyle, the last game-changing player the Colts had at the position, wore No. 84. "I picked it," Warren said.
Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren has picked his number; he explains why he picked it
INDIANAPOLIS — Tyler Warren’s beloved No. 44 is already in the hands of Colts middle linebacker Zaire Franklin. The number Indianapolis has issued their first-round pick initially has its own history at the tight end position. Warren is wearing No. 84, a number that has recent history for the tight end position in Indianapolis. Jack Doyle, the last game-changing player the Colts had at the position, wore No. 84. "I picked it," Warren said.
A way-too-early Colts 53-man roster projection after 2025 NFL draft
The tight end depth chart looks a lot better with the addition of first-round pick Tyler Warren The Colts will be relying on two new starters on the offensive line; the last time the team did that it didn't turn out well The linebacker depth chart still needs an upgrade INDIANAPOLIS — The two most obvious chances for the Colts to overhaul their roster have come and gone.
Yes, Colts GM Chris Ballard was aggressive in NFL free agency and the results show it
Chris Ballard would often make an offer in free agency and walk away if someone topped it. Not this year Charvarius Ward: 'They wanted me more than anybody, so that shows me that they respect my game' Chirs Ballard backed up his words: 'We have to do a better job ... (closing) the deal' INDIANAPOLIS — The change in Chris Ballard’s approach to free agency this offseason was impossible to miss.
Instant grade for Colts landing Daniel Jones in free agency
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts promised to bring in real competition for Anthony Richardson. That competition now has a name, as former Giants starter Daniel Jones has agreed to a one-year deal to compete with Richardson for the starting job in Indianapolis, beating out the Vikings for his services.
How Camryn Bynum costs the Colts just $500,000 more than they saved cutting Raekwon Davis
The Colts saved $6.49 million under the salary cap cutting Raekwon Davis. Bynum will count $7.01 million against the cap next season The Colts opened free agency by making their biggest investment in free agency in three seasons on Monday to sign safety Camryn Bynum who will play a critical role in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system. And it'll cost them just $500,000 more than they saved under the salary cap by cutting Raekwon Davis.
Colts, S Camryn Bynum agree to terms in NFL free agency. Latest updates
The Colts opened free agency by making their biggest investment in free agency in three seasons on Monday to sign a defensive back who will play a critical role in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system. Indianapolis has agreed to terms to sign former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, a league source told IndyStar, intent on pairing Bynum with young strong safety Nick Cross. The terms are four years at $60 million according to the NFL Network.
Colts, S Camryn Bynum agree to terms in NFL free agency. Latest updates
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts opened free agency on Monday by making one of the biggest outside acquisitions of the Chris Ballard era, forking over big money to sign a defensive back who will play a critical role in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system.
Colts release DT Raekwon Davis to add salary cap space ahead of free agency
INDIANAPOLIS— The Colts have already cut ties with the biggest free agent signing the team made in 2024. Indianapolis released defensive tackle Raekwon Davis on Thursday, a move that will save the Colts roughly $6.49 million in cap space. By making the move, Indianapolis pushes its cap space for the 2025 offseason over $41 million. Davis was set to count $8.99 million against the cap, a huge figure for a player who made just 15 tackles in 349 snaps last season. Need a break?
Why Colts QB Anthony Richardson's contract plays a role in competing for his job
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday at the NFL combine that the team will bring in a quarterback to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting job. Richardson's contract plays a role in this decision. He is heading into the third year of his rookie contract and, as a first-round pick, is eligible for a fifth-year option. The Colts must decide on picking up that option next offseason.
Colts will make final decision on free agent Ryan Kelly next week
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts will meet with veteran free agent center Ryan Kelly next week. Kelly is headed into free agency for the first time in his 10 years as an NFL player, and he wants to keep playing, but Indianapolis declined to extend him last offseason and drafted his potential replacement, Tanor Bortolini, in the fourth round. Ballard planned to meet with Kelly’s agent at the Combine this week, then meet with Kelly in-person next week. “Then we’ll make a decision,” Ballard said.
Colts might be looking for new starting linebacker as E.J. Speed heads into free agency
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts put a lot on E.J. Speed the last two seasons. Probably more than the team ever intended. Speed, the former fifth-round pick who had worked his way up from special teams to a small but key defensive role as the team’s strong-side linebacker, was asked to take one more leap by stepping into the shoes of a star Indianapolis did not want to lose. The long-time Colts linebacker just finished his first full-time season as a starter. But it could also be his last in Indianapolis.
Colts legends Reggie Wayne, Adam Vinatieri snubbed from Pro Football Hall of Fame
Two Colts legends will have to wait at least one more year to earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The hard part is wondering how long the wait will be.
Colts GM Chris Ballard calls anonymous Colt chicken-(expletive). 'That is losing football'
INDIANAPOLIS — A handful of Colts players were critical of their teammates, the team’s philosophy and the organizational structure this season. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard did not appreciate that so many of those criticisms were made publicly. Ballard reserved particular ire for a player who criticized the team anonymously, telling The Athletic that the Colts have no vision. “At least all but one put their name on it,” Ballard said.
Colts will interview Lou Anarumo, Steve Wilks for defensive coordinator job
INDIANAPOLIS — The first two candidates for the open Colts defensive coordinator position signal both a desire for experience and a potential change in defensive philosophy. Indianapolis will interview former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and longtime NFL coach Steve Wilks, who last served as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator in 2023, a league source told IndyStar Thursday.
Tennessee Titans request general manager interview with Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds
INDIANAPOLIS — An AFC South rival is interested in a key member of the Colts front office. The Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Indianapolis assistant general manager Ed Dodds for its open general manager position, a source confirmed to IndyStar on Wednesday. The Titans shocked the NFL world by firing general manager Ran Carthon after just two seasons.
Eight years in, Chris Ballard still hasn't realized the vision he laid out for Colts
INDIANAPOLIS — The move many Colts fans wanted to see is not coming. There will be no change at the top of the Colts organization. Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay has decided to leave his franchise in the hands of general manager Chris Ballard — along with head coach Shane Steichen — for Ballard's ninth season in Indianapolis despite a 62-69-1 overall record, two playoff berths and no division titles in the previous eight years.
Colts might have to go to third center in Danny Pinter after Tanor Bortolini's concussion
INDIANAPOLIS — A Colts offensive line that has struggled for much of the past month has been dealt another potential blow. Rookie center Tanor Bortolini, who played all 55 offensive snaps in Sunday’s loss to Detroit, reported to the team facility with concussion symptoms on Monday. Bortolini has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, putting his status in doubt for this week’s game against New England.
Colts Josh Downs returns after suffering shoulder injury
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts lost two receivers in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Lions. Josh Downs, the team leader in receptions, was unable to get off the field after having his right shoulder driven into the turf at the end of a play. Downs suffered a right shoulder injury, and was questionable to return but returned to the field on the next drive. Downs came off the field with his hand on the right side, holding his helmet, and was examined by trainers on the bench for a while.
Colts bring back former starting guard Mark Glowinski 'to compete'
INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Glowinski found himself back on familiar ground this week. The place he made his name in the NFL. Glowinski was a surprising find for the Indianapolis Colts, a late-2017 waiver claim who got a chance five games into the 2018 regular season and turned himself into a bona fide NFL starter at right guard, earning a three-year, $18.3 million contract from the Giants during the 2022 offseason.
‘Wasn’t able to do it’: Joe Flacco 'disappointed' in play as Colts starting QB
INDIANAPOLIS — A disappointed Joe Flacco entered the Colts locker room as a backup again on Wednesday. But Flacco steered his disappointment away from the decision Colts head coach Shane Steichen made on Tuesday, benching the 39-year-old quarterback to go back to Anthony Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback. Flacco focused his displeasure on his own play the last two games. “Obviously, as a competitor, I’m disappointed in the way that the last two games have went,” Flacco said.
Joe Flacco will start vs Jets for the Colts in Week 11
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are sticking with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as the team’s starter against the New York Jets this week. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen values Flacco’s veteran experience, believes the Colts are still in the mix at 4-6 and plans to stick with the 39-year-old despite six turnovers in his two starts since making the move. “He’s had two games he’d like to have back,” Steichen said. “You stick with it, grind through the process.
Why Joe Flacco thinks taking over Colts starting job is better than the Browns
INDIANAPOLIS — For the second consecutive season, Joe Flacco is taking over a team in flux, trying to provide stability and steer a franchise toward the playoffs. Taking over for Anthony Richardson will not be the same as rescuing the Browns last season. Flacco’s not coming from the school pickup line, rising from twice-weekly throwing sessions with his brother to revive his career in Indianapolis. “Last year’s situation is always going to be a little bit unique,” Flacco said.
Anthony Richardson injury update: Colts QB leaves game after hit, returns
HOUSTON — Colts starting quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game for one snap at the end of a field goal drive, and it is unclear if Richardson is dealing with an injury. It's the fifth game Richardson has left in his career. Richardson returned for the next drive. Richardson evaded a rush, scrambled back to the line of scrimmage and tapped his helmet.
5 things to watch as Colts return home to take on injury-riddled Dolphins
INDIANAPOLIS — Banged-up and bruised, the Colts have been far from perfect, but they have found a way to put themselves in the playoff mix heading into the toughest portion of their schedule. But they need a win this week to stay there. Indianapolis gets to come back home on Sunday, playing at Lucas Oil for the only time in a five-game stretch, and the Colts will be taking on a Dolphins team that has looked like a shell of itself without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Jonathan Taylor injury update: Colts RB 'feeling way better' ahead of Titans game
INDIANAPOLIS — Jonathan Taylor is not sure if he will return to practice on Thursday. But his sprained ankle is significantly better than it was last week. Taylor planned to work out before practice in an effort to determine whether he’d be able to return to practice for the first time since the Steelers game. The Colts running back did not play against Jacksonville. “I’m feeling way better,” Taylor said.
Jonathan Taylor injury update: Colts RB still not practicing Wednesday
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will not practice on Wednesday, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said, but it should not be taken as an indicator that Taylor's injury is more serious than previously thought. Taylor said last week that this ankle sprain was not as severe as the one that eventually forced him to undergo offseason surgery after the 2022 season. But he missed last week's game against Jacksonville, and Taylor will not practice on Wednesday.
Jonathan Taylor injury update: Colts RB still not practicing Wednesday
INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will not practice on Wednesday, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. But Taylor's absence should not be taken as an indicator that Taylor's injury is more serious than previously thought, according to Steichen. Indianapolis often holds out players dealing with an injury on Wednesdays, then brings them back to the field on Thursday or Friday before making the decision.
Will Anthony Richardson play this week? Colts QB practiced Wednesday
INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson practiced Wednesday to open the week and was far less limited than last week in the portion of practice open to the media. “I can run, I can throw, I can do the stuff I need to do in the offense,” the Colts quarterback said.
Colts coach Shane Steichen says Anthony Richardson is starting quarterback
INDIANAPOLIS — Nothing has changed about the Colts’ quarterback depth chart in the wake of Joe Flacco’s performance the past two weeks. As long as Anthony Richardson's healthy, he is the starting quarterback in Indianapolis. Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, was named the starter three weeks into his first training camp, and he’s held that position, when healthy, since. “Yes, he is our starting quarterback,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said.
Colts waive Dallis Flowers as cornerback plan continues to unravel
INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Chris Ballard’s cornerback plan continues to unravel. The Colts waived third-year cornerback Dallis Flowers on Monday, cutting loose a player at a thin position five games into the season after citing Flowers as a key member of the cornerback room throughout the offseason.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Joel
Contact Joel, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack