Joel A. Erickson
@joelaerickson.bsky.social
Colts insider for @IndyStar. FOX59/CBS4 analyst. Husband, father, goldendoodle owner, Mizzou & SJI alum. Psalms 73:26
Two young kickers looked good in Indy last season.
Ideally, you’d probably like to keep both, but it’s a spot where a team only needs one www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Ideally, you’d probably like to keep both, but it’s a spot where a team only needs one www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why Colts have a difficult decision at kicker (which is a good thing)
Spencer Shrader was excellent before suffering a torn ACL, and Blake Grupe successfully rebuilt his reputation in a short stint.
www.indystar.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Two young kickers looked good in Indy last season.
Ideally, you’d probably like to keep both, but it’s a spot where a team only needs one www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Ideally, you’d probably like to keep both, but it’s a spot where a team only needs one www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter is interviewing with the Giants in addition to the Eagles www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter is interviewing for same job with Giants
Cooter has already interviewed twice with Philadelphia for its open coordinator job in an effort to call plays.
www.indystar.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter is interviewing with the Giants in addition to the Eagles www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Hunter Wohler is in the middle of a difficult recovery from the foot injury that ended his rookie season.
Before he got hurt, though, Wohler looked like the kind of piece who could help the Colts address their issues in the middle of the field.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Before he got hurt, though, Wohler looked like the kind of piece who could help the Colts address their issues in the middle of the field.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Do Colts already have solution to their issues in middle of defense on the roster?
Wohler, a seventh round rookie from Wisconsin, was ticketed for a big role before suffering a Lisfranc injury.
www.indystar.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Hunter Wohler is in the middle of a difficult recovery from the foot injury that ended his rookie season.
Before he got hurt, though, Wohler looked like the kind of piece who could help the Colts address their issues in the middle of the field.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Before he got hurt, though, Wohler looked like the kind of piece who could help the Colts address their issues in the middle of the field.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Before a torn ACL took away his rookie season, Justin Walley looked like a starter at cornerback.
Which makes him an interesting piece for the Indianapolis defense moving forward.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Which makes him an interesting piece for the Indianapolis defense moving forward.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
A healthy Justin Walley could be big piece of Colts defense in 2026
Walley was in line to start before he tore his ACL, and given the uncertainty surrounding Charvarius Ward, could be key at cornerback.
www.indystar.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Before a torn ACL took away his rookie season, Justin Walley looked like a starter at cornerback.
Which makes him an interesting piece for the Indianapolis defense moving forward.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Which makes him an interesting piece for the Indianapolis defense moving forward.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
A big change might be coming at right tackle. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts face tough decision at RT between Jalen Travis and Braden Smith
Braden Smith has been a stalwart for the Colts on the right side for eight seasons but he has only played one full season in his last five
www.indystar.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:33 PM
A big change might be coming at right tackle. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Lots to do www.indystar.com/story/sports...
7 moves the Colts have to make this offseason to return to the playoffs
Indianapolis has a long list of needs it must address this offseason. Here are 7 moves that will put the Colts back in the playoffs
www.indystar.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Lots to do www.indystar.com/story/sports...
The Colts, and Sauce Gardner, still believe the team's blockbuster deadline trade will produce dividends in the long term, even though it didn't pay off in the short term
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why Carlie Irsay-Gordon has no regrets Colts traded for Sauce Gardner
Sauce Gardner played only 196 snaps for Indianapolis, but the Colts believe the young cornerback can be a core piece for the future.
www.indystar.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:52 PM
The Colts, and Sauce Gardner, still believe the team's blockbuster deadline trade will produce dividends in the long term, even though it didn't pay off in the short term
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Let’s try this again, since it’s 2026 and not 2025.
One thing that emerged this week is that the Colts believe Daniel Jones will be their quarterback again. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
One thing that emerged this week is that the Colts believe Daniel Jones will be their quarterback again. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts GM Chris Ballard really wants to re-sign QB Daniel Jones; here's why
Colts GM Chris Ballard really wants to re-signing QB Daniel Jones; here's why
www.indystar.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Let’s try this again, since it’s 2026 and not 2025.
One thing that emerged this week is that the Colts believe Daniel Jones will be their quarterback again. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
One thing that emerged this week is that the Colts believe Daniel Jones will be their quarterback again. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
I made a mistake on what year it was.
So, so dumb.
So, so dumb.
January 9, 2026 at 6:27 PM
I made a mistake on what year it was.
So, so dumb.
So, so dumb.
The Colts tried to find another backup QB at the trade deadline and couldn't get it done, according to Ballard.
January 8, 2026 at 4:33 PM
The Colts tried to find another backup QB at the trade deadline and couldn't get it done, according to Ballard.
Ballard on Buckner: "His mindset is he's going to play again."
On Ward: "I can't say, for sure, what direction that's going to go. ... We're going to do the best thing for his long-term health."
On Ward: "I can't say, for sure, what direction that's going to go. ... We're going to do the best thing for his long-term health."
January 8, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Ballard on Buckner: "His mindset is he's going to play again."
On Ward: "I can't say, for sure, what direction that's going to go. ... We're going to do the best thing for his long-term health."
On Ward: "I can't say, for sure, what direction that's going to go. ... We're going to do the best thing for his long-term health."
The Colts have signed 17 players to reserve/future deals, and even though it's mostly practice-squad players, it's important to remember 5 Colts who signed deals at this time last year ended up playing in 2025.
Austin Ajiake carved out a real role. indystar.com/story/sports...
Austin Ajiake carved out a real role. indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts sign 17 players to reserve/future contracts for 2026
Five players who signed reserve/futures contracts a year ago ended up playing for Indianapolis in 2026, led by linebacker Austin Ajiake.
indystar.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The Colts have signed 17 players to reserve/future deals, and even though it's mostly practice-squad players, it's important to remember 5 Colts who signed deals at this time last year ended up playing in 2025.
Austin Ajiake carved out a real role. indystar.com/story/sports...
Austin Ajiake carved out a real role. indystar.com/story/sports...
Lou Anarumo has interviews with the Titans and Giants coming up soon, per source
January 6, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Lou Anarumo has interviews with the Titans and Giants coming up soon, per source
Today's letter summarized Carlie Irsay-Gordon's thoughts from yesterday's press conference
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts owners release letter to fans explaining team's direction
Indianapolis owners Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson released a letter to fans explaining their decision to avoid major changes.
www.indystar.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Today's letter summarized Carlie Irsay-Gordon's thoughts from yesterday's press conference
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
One piece from yesterday that carries beyond 2026, in my opinion, and beyond the current GM.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon plans to leave QB evaluation up to her head coach and GM as owner, a departure from the way Jim Irsay handled the position.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Carlie Irsay-Gordon plans to leave QB evaluation up to her head coach and GM as owner, a departure from the way Jim Irsay handled the position.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts' Carlie Irsay-Gordon is taking different approach at QB than her father
Jim Irsay believed his role was to ensure the Colts had the right GM, coach, QB. Carlie Irsay-Gordon isn't getting involved with one of those spots
www.indystar.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:34 PM
One piece from yesterday that carries beyond 2026, in my opinion, and beyond the current GM.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon plans to leave QB evaluation up to her head coach and GM as owner, a departure from the way Jim Irsay handled the position.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Carlie Irsay-Gordon plans to leave QB evaluation up to her head coach and GM as owner, a departure from the way Jim Irsay handled the position.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
John Bullock, the rookie LB the Colts claimed off waivers today, looks like another piece for Brian Mason
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts claim linebacker off waivers; what it means
The Colts claim a linebacker off waivers from Tampa Bay to play special teams
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:20 PM
John Bullock, the rookie LB the Colts claimed off waivers today, looks like another piece for Brian Mason
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: "I'm pissed" at the way the season ended, but she believes she saw enough steps in the right direction
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon on 2025 season: 'I'm pissed'
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon understands the fan anger at bringing GM Chris Ballard, coach Shane Steichen back: Urgency has never been higher
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: "I'm pissed" at the way the season ended, but she believes she saw enough steps in the right direction
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on whether finances played a role in keeping Ballard/Steichen:
"We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to finish games and win."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
"We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to finish games and win."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts' Carlie Irsay-Gordon on if finances played role in Ballard, Steichen return
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon was asked if finances played a role in bringing GM Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen back. Here's what she said
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on whether finances played a role in keeping Ballard/Steichen:
"We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to finish games and win."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
"We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to finish games and win."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Everything Daniel Jones and Shane Steichen said today suggests Jones will be the Colts' QB1 again in 2026.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
What Daniel Jones and the Colts said about the free agent QB's return
Daniel Jones is coming off a torn Achilles tendon as he heads into free agency; here's what he said about returning
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Everything Daniel Jones and Shane Steichen said today suggests Jones will be the Colts' QB1 again in 2026.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
What Shane Steichen said when asked if Riley Leonard's performance against Houston left him with any regrets about going to Philip Rivers.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why Colts' Shane Steichen doesn't regret Philip Rivers over Riley Leonard
Riley Leonard played well in the season finale, completing 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards and added 21 rushing yards and three touchdowns
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:59 PM
What Shane Steichen said when asked if Riley Leonard's performance against Houston left him with any regrets about going to Philip Rivers.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
The theme of Shane Steichen's press conference:
"We've got to get over the hump."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
"We've got to get over the hump."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts' Steichen on returning: '.500's not good enough ... fans don't deserve it'
Colts coach Shane Steichen addressed returning for 2026 despite ending the season on a seven-game losing streak
www.indystar.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The theme of Shane Steichen's press conference:
"We've got to get over the hump."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
"We've got to get over the hump."
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
First Impressions edition of the Cover-2 will come after tomorrow's media availability.
Between the big news already being out there and an iffy travel schedule, @By_NathanBrown and I decided it was best to push it a day.
Between the big news already being out there and an iffy travel schedule, @By_NathanBrown and I decided it was best to push it a day.
January 5, 2026 at 1:27 AM
First Impressions edition of the Cover-2 will come after tomorrow's media availability.
Between the big news already being out there and an iffy travel schedule, @By_NathanBrown and I decided it was best to push it a day.
Between the big news already being out there and an iffy travel schedule, @By_NathanBrown and I decided it was best to push it a day.
Texans 38, Colts 30.
Indianapolis loses seven straight after getting out to an 8-2 start, finishes 8-9.
Indianapolis loses seven straight after getting out to an 8-2 start, finishes 8-9.
January 4, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Texans 38, Colts 30.
Indianapolis loses seven straight after getting out to an 8-2 start, finishes 8-9.
Indianapolis loses seven straight after getting out to an 8-2 start, finishes 8-9.
January 4, 2026 at 8:06 PM
I believe Alec Pierce just went over the 1,000-yard mark.
Riley Leonard is balling.
Riley Leonard is balling.
January 4, 2026 at 7:54 PM
I believe Alec Pierce just went over the 1,000-yard mark.
Riley Leonard is balling.
Riley Leonard is balling.