Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots face off in preseason opener

The Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots are scheduled to face each other in their NFL preseason opener on Thursday at Gillette Stadium.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is set to start and play the entire first half. This matchup serves as a critical opportunity for Richardson to improve his standing on the depth chart following a trade request and the team's decision to decline his fifth-year option. He will be followed in the second half by Riley Leonard.

For the Patriots, head coach Mike Vrabel indicated that several starters, including quarterback Drake Maye, are not expected to play. This provides depth players and rookies an opportunity to compete for spots on the 53-man roster.

In Indianapolis, rookie linebacker CJ Allen has missed significant training camp time due to a hamstring injury, raising questions about his availability for the preseason opener.