12 notes from Chris Ballard’s preseason press conference
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard met with the media Wednesday for the first time since the roster was reduced to 53 players.
Though Ballard never divulges specific information—and this may have been the shortest presser of his tenure—but there were still some nuggets and notes to take from his 20-plus interview with the media.
Here are some of the quick notes from Ballard’s preseason press conference on Wednesday:
Trevor Denbow to IR
UDFA safety Trevor Denbow will go on injured reserve, @Colts GM Chris Ballard says. Doesn't think he'll be out the whole year.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 31, 2022
Shaq Leonard practicing
Shaquille Leonard was on the field for "the next step" in his rehab. Chris Ballard notes "he's gotta work." This is his first on-field work since January. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 31, 2022
Non-commital on opening day
Ballard calls this "the next step" in Leonard's rehabilitation, doesn't commit to Leonard playing in opener.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 31, 2022
Optimistic about OL depth
Offensive line. Depth an issue? We feel about their talent. Like progress Bernard Raimann is making.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 31, 2022
Possibility of a Dennis Kelly return?
Asked about Dennis Kelly, Chris Ballard doesn't go into details. Kelly had a knee injury that kept him out of almost all of training camp.
"We like Dennis," Ballard said. #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 31, 2022
Never shutting the door on T.Y. Hilton
Ballard on TY Hilton: Do i think TY can still play? Absolutely. Not going to shut the door on him, but we like our group.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 31, 2022
Sam Ehlinger played his way onto the roster
Ballard on Ehlinger: "Played his way on. … We had a feeling he would."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 31, 2022
On losing Sterling Weatherford
.@Colts GM Chris Ballard says losing LB Sterling Weatherford – who was claimed on waivers by the Bears today – was a "hard one." Team liked him.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 31, 2022
Rodrigo Blankenship "is our guy"
Ballard says they aren't looking for another kicker.
"Hot Rod's our guy."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 31, 2022
Quenton Nelson's contract update
Chris Ballard on Quenton Nelson contract discussions:
"You pay your best players. He's special. He's special to us. Hopefully we can work it out."
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) August 31, 2022
"No question" Ehlinger would have been claimed
.@Colts GM Chris Ballard says there was "no question" the team would've lost QB Sam Ehlinger if he were waived this week. Added he earned his spot on the 53.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) August 31, 2022
Thoughts on the WR room
Ballard on WR:
-"We thought Alec Pierce did some really good things." Ballard says they need him to grow up in a hurry and thinks he will.
-Pleased with Parris Campbell's camp.
-Ballard believes T.Y. Hilton can still play. not going to shut the door. Likes the group for now.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 31, 2022
