Joel A. Erickson
@joelaerickson.bsky.social
Colts insider for @IndyStar. FOX59/CBS4 analyst. Husband, father, goldendoodle owner, Mizzou & SJI alum. Psalms 73:26
Reggie Wayne said it first, Michael Pittman Jr. echoed it this week:
Alec Pierce is going to get PAID.
Because Pierce finally gets to show the NFL the receiver he’s believed he was all along.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Alec Pierce is going to get PAID.
Because Pierce finally gets to show the NFL the receiver he’s believed he was all along.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Alec Pierce played his way into a must-sign, big-money priority for Colts: 'Price keeps going up'
Pierce has 28 catches for 585 yards this season and he's proven he can do much more than get deep with Daniel Jones at quarterback
www.indystar.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reggie Wayne said it first, Michael Pittman Jr. echoed it this week:
Alec Pierce is going to get PAID.
Because Pierce finally gets to show the NFL the receiver he’s believed he was all along.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Alec Pierce is going to get PAID.
Because Pierce finally gets to show the NFL the receiver he’s believed he was all along.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Carlies will be back at practice.
Samson Ebukam and Anthony Gould, too...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Samson Ebukam and Anthony Gould, too...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts CB Charvarius Ward and LB Jaylon Carlies return to practice
The Colts designated CB Charvarius Ward, LB Jaylon Carlies to return from injured reserve. They have up to 21 to practice
www.indystar.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Carlies will be back at practice.
Samson Ebukam and Anthony Gould, too...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Samson Ebukam and Anthony Gould, too...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Tyquan Lewis will not practice today. Asked if he suffered a setback at some point, and Steichen said his injury just hasn't responded
November 19, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Tyquan Lewis will not practice today. Asked if he suffered a setback at some point, and Steichen said his injury just hasn't responded
What special teams coordinator Brian Mason said about kicker Michael Badgley after the bye www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why Colts remain confident in K Michael Badgley after Berlin misses
Badgley has made 7 of 8 field goals and 15 of 17 extra points since taking over for an injured Spencer Shrader in Indianapolis.
www.indystar.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:12 PM
What special teams coordinator Brian Mason said about kicker Michael Badgley after the bye www.indystar.com/story/sports...
A shakeup on the Colts' practice squad this week, with familiar faces and a few insurance pieces added www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts sign veteran DT, familiar face and local product in practice-squad shakeup
Indianapolis signed DT Chris Wormley, former Colts S George Odum, DE Viliami Fehoko Jr. and Pendleton native Eli Pancol to the practice squad Tuesday.
www.indystar.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A shakeup on the Colts' practice squad this week, with familiar faces and a few insurance pieces added www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Mason says there was a mistake made on Dulin's holding penalty on a Berlin KO return.
Then goes on to say it was not Dulin who made a mistake, and that's all he'll say.
Mason isn't shy about detailing Colts mistakes. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from there.
Then goes on to say it was not Dulin who made a mistake, and that's all he'll say.
Mason isn't shy about detailing Colts mistakes. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from there.
November 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Mason says there was a mistake made on Dulin's holding penalty on a Berlin KO return.
Then goes on to say it was not Dulin who made a mistake, and that's all he'll say.
Mason isn't shy about detailing Colts mistakes. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from there.
Then goes on to say it was not Dulin who made a mistake, and that's all he'll say.
Mason isn't shy about detailing Colts mistakes. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from there.
The difference in the new kickoff rule, per Brian Mason.
The Colts had only 13 live kickoff reps all last season.
They've already faced 59 kickoff returns this year.
The Colts had only 13 live kickoff reps all last season.
They've already faced 59 kickoff returns this year.
November 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
The difference in the new kickoff rule, per Brian Mason.
The Colts had only 13 live kickoff reps all last season.
They've already faced 59 kickoff returns this year.
The Colts had only 13 live kickoff reps all last season.
They've already faced 59 kickoff returns this year.
"AR's still rehabbing, getting better" was the word from Shane Steichen on the possibility of Richardson returning from IR this week.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Anthony Richardson is Colts backup QB 'if he gets cleared by doctors' per Shane Steichen
Richardson will be Daniel Jones' backup if he is able to get healthy this season, but Colts coach Shane Steichen indicated he's still working on it.
www.indystar.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM
"AR's still rehabbing, getting better" was the word from Shane Steichen on the possibility of Richardson returning from IR this week.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Michael Pittman Jr. on Alec Pierce: "If we don't sign him quick, the price just keeps going up"
November 17, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Michael Pittman Jr. on Alec Pierce: "If we don't sign him quick, the price just keeps going up"
Even after the bye, the NFL rushing standings:
1. Jonathan Taylor, 1,139 yards
2. James Cook, 968 yards
3. De'Von Achane, 900 yards
Oh, and Daniel Jones is third in the NFL with 2,659 passing yards (A big Dak game could move Jones to fourth)...
1. Jonathan Taylor, 1,139 yards
2. James Cook, 968 yards
3. De'Von Achane, 900 yards
Oh, and Daniel Jones is third in the NFL with 2,659 passing yards (A big Dak game could move Jones to fourth)...
November 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Even after the bye, the NFL rushing standings:
1. Jonathan Taylor, 1,139 yards
2. James Cook, 968 yards
3. De'Von Achane, 900 yards
Oh, and Daniel Jones is third in the NFL with 2,659 passing yards (A big Dak game could move Jones to fourth)...
1. Jonathan Taylor, 1,139 yards
2. James Cook, 968 yards
3. De'Von Achane, 900 yards
Oh, and Daniel Jones is third in the NFL with 2,659 passing yards (A big Dak game could move Jones to fourth)...
Back from the bye week, and my first impression is that Jaguars win over the Chargers means Colts can't hit cruise control in AFC South.
Indianapolis has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL; Jacksonville has the fifth-easiest, albeit with two against the Colts.
Indianapolis has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL; Jacksonville has the fifth-easiest, albeit with two against the Colts.
November 17, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Back from the bye week, and my first impression is that Jaguars win over the Chargers means Colts can't hit cruise control in AFC South.
Indianapolis has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL; Jacksonville has the fifth-easiest, albeit with two against the Colts.
Indianapolis has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL; Jacksonville has the fifth-easiest, albeit with two against the Colts.
Been beating this drum for a while: Jonathan Taylor is underrated.
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts Jonathan Taylor is best RB in NFL & on a Hall of Fame track; why haven't people seen it?
Jonathan Taylor has rushed for more than 7,000 yards and 70 touchdowns by age 27; guess who else has done that
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Been beating this drum for a while: Jonathan Taylor is underrated.
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
It was only one play.
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
There was a slip. A drop. But Sauce Gardner left no doubt why the Colts traded for him
Sauce Gardner was cursing himself on the sideline. There was a drop. But there was no doubt why the Colts traded for him
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:05 PM
It was only one play.
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
With the game on the line and the receivers blanketed, the Colts needed Tyler Warren to carry the passing offense on Sunday in Berlin...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren makes big plays in less than perfect situations to beat Falcons
Colts turn to rookie TE Tyler Warren to help close out overtime win vs Falcons in Berlin
indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
With the game on the line and the receivers blanketed, the Colts needed Tyler Warren to carry the passing offense on Sunday in Berlin...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
First Zaire Franklin thought he'd given the ball to Jonathan Taylor with the coin toss.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Zaire Franklin was determined to get Colts offense the ball, even after 'some shenanigans' on coin toss
Jonthan Taylor was cooking in Germany, and Zaire Franklin ensured Taylor could finish serving a three-course meal with a defensive stop in overtime.
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
First Zaire Franklin thought he'd given the ball to Jonathan Taylor with the coin toss.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
I'm fully convinced the Falcons front 7 can't see Jonathan Taylor. Like, physically can't see him.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
November 9, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I'm fully convinced the Falcons front 7 can't see Jonathan Taylor. Like, physically can't see him.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
I've been told it works on IndyStar mobile, but not the app. I've passed that along to those in charge of it.
I can’t get in. I see the “ask Joel join the conversation below” and then below no link to ask questions, only ads
November 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I've been told it works on IndyStar mobile, but not the app. I've passed that along to those in charge of it.
I'm assuming in good faith that you know my job's the Colts, and I'm not in charge of any of that.
And for the inevitable conversation about ads and revenue, unfortunately, this topic has its own Wikipedia page for a reason. Until the industry finds a way to protect me, as somebody who deals with IT security daily, I won't put my security at risk to ad networks.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvert...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvert...
Malvertising - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I'm assuming in good faith that you know my job's the Colts, and I'm not in charge of any of that.
Being completely honest here: For me, the goal was to expand #AskJoel and find a way I could be available to you guys all game. That was the entire genesis of the idea.
Some feedback on new system:
1. I understand why & don't disagree with the reasons
2. It's pull vs push for social media users. Find ways to push "teasers" per Q to social media for repeat engagement.
3. Ad block blockers are friction for engagement and repeat consumption. Disable them on that page
1. I understand why & don't disagree with the reasons
2. It's pull vs push for social media users. Find ways to push "teasers" per Q to social media for repeat engagement.
3. Ad block blockers are friction for engagement and repeat consumption. Disable them on that page
November 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Being completely honest here: For me, the goal was to expand #AskJoel and find a way I could be available to you guys all game. That was the entire genesis of the idea.
Remember, #AskJoel is live all game long at this link. I'll answer anything you guys have throughout the game.
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
From the Sauce Gardner trade to the game with the Falcons, ask IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson anything
Join Joel A. Erickson for a live Q&A to talk all things Colts, from the Sauce Gardner trade to playing the Falcons in Berlin, Germany
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Remember, #AskJoel is live all game long at this link. I'll answer anything you guys have throughout the game.
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
HUGE cheer for Sauce Gardner in pregame intros in Berlin.
November 9, 2025 at 2:25 PM
HUGE cheer for Sauce Gardner in pregame intros in Berlin.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon & Kalen Jackson talking to Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Morris interviewed for the Colts job when Steichen was hired
November 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon & Kalen Jackson talking to Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Morris interviewed for the Colts job when Steichen was hired
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on the sideline
November 9, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on the sideline
Bjoern Werner thought he’d play for 10 years.
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Bjoern Werner failed as a Colts first-round pick; how he became the NFL's voice in Germany
Bjoern Werner planned on a 10-year NFL career. He was a bust. Now his distinctive, loose style has made him a star in Germany as the voice of the NFL
www.indystar.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Bjoern Werner thought he’d play for 10 years.
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why have the Colts pursued CB so aggressively, culminating with the Sauce Gardner trade?
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
How CB Sauce Gardner will change the Colts defense
Sauce Gardner will let the Colts matchup Jaylon Jones with tight ends and blitz more
www.indystar.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Why have the Colts pursued CB so aggressively, culminating with the Sauce Gardner trade?
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...