Indianapolis, IN
Stock up, stock down following Indianapolis Colts' first preseason game | Sporting News
The Indianapolis Colts failed to keep up in a high-scoring affair, dropping their preseason opener 34-30 against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With the starters playing exactly two drives in order to get their feet wet, the majority of the game was played by the second, third and fourth strings.
As the position battles rage on, the preseason games are what will help determine the back end of the roster the most.
The preseason games also might be the biggest factor in determining a player’s stock throughout the process of cutting the roster down. A strong game can elevate a player’s status while a poor outing can crush his chances of making the team.
It’s a fluid process, though. One week, a player’s stock might be trending a certain way, and another week it can go in the opposite direction.
Following the preseason opener, here’s a look at the stock report for a handful of Colts players:
Colts’ stock report following first preseason game
Stock Up
G Dalton Tucker
An undrafted free-agent rookie, Tucker got some run with the second-team offense at guard. The Marshall product brings vast experience after 51 collegiate games (30 starts), and he was a bright spot on the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Tucker allowed just one total pressure on 26 pass-blocking snaps. He also showed off the ability to get in space on a nice counter-trey block. There are only so many spots open on the offensive line, but Tucker made a strong impression.
CB Micah Abraham
Another rookie who shined during his opportunities, Abraham very well may have become the favorite to be the backup nickel defender behind Kenny Moore II after his performance Sunday. Also a Marshall product, the undersized defender plays much bigger than his frame. His big play came when he stripped, recovered and returned a fumble for a touchdown on a Broncos rushing attempt. He also forced an incompletion down the sideline and had a taclke for loss.
EDGE Isaiah Land
While rookie Laiatu Latu was one of the stars, we’re going to look at one of the underrated depth pieces on the defensive line. Land can serve as an edge rusher or a SAM backer in a pinch. He showed off some impressive juice getting off the line and recorded a pressure on 11 pass-rushing snaps, according to PFF. He also added four tackles (three solo) against the run.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
For all the offseason talk about Alie-Cox being a potential cut or trade candidate, the veteran tight end doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Alie-Cox ran solely with the first-team offense and provided the biggest play for the starting offense on a 19-yard reception during the second drive. Big Mo appears to have the starting role locked up along with Kylen Granson.
Stock Down
OT Blake Freeland
Those hoping Freeland would have shown some improvements after a rough rookie season were sorely disappointed. The second-year offensive tackle played 33 snaps with the second and third-string offense at left tackle. He allowed a team-high three total pressures on 17 pass-blocking snaps, including a quarterback hit that resulted in a Sam Ehlinger interception. Freeland is still the favorite for the swing tackle role, but the gap between him and rookie Matt Goncalves is getting closer.
Run Game
It wasn’t an encouraging outing for the rushing offense. Even with Jonathan Taylor surprisingly getting the start in the preseason opener, the Colts running backs all combined to take 17 carries for 35 rushing yards. Trey Sermon left with a hamstring injury. Both Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson scored goal-line touchdowns, but they also averaged 2.0 and 2.1 yards per carry, respectively. It will get going eventually, but it wasn’t a strong outing in the slightest.
CB Dallis Flowers
Playing in his first game since suffering a torn Achilles in Week 4 last year, there clearly was some rust for Flowers. However, this performance certainly hurt his chances in the competition with Jaylon Jones for the starting boundary role. According to Pro Football Focus, Flowers allowed four receptions on six targets for a team-high 54 yards.
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by:
Gregg Montgomery and Kelsie Gibbs
Posted: / Updated:
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indy Parks on Saturday will unveil the restoration of longstanding fountains, a project almost two years in the making.
The fountains were already shooting water among newly landscaped walking paths on Wednesday afternoon at the Garfield Park Sunken Garden.
City planner and landscape architect George Kessler designed the Sunken Garden and the adjacent Garfield Park Conservatory, which was built in 1916 at 2505 Conservatory Drive.
Funds for the $3 million restoration project were part of an $80 million Lilly Endowment grant issued to Indy Parks in late 2022 for projects at 42 Indianapolis parks.
The Friends of Garfield Park, a group devoted to the south-side park, oversaw the project to restore the concrete walls and plumbing, and add color-changing lights to enhance the look of the fountains.
The group hopes to raise an additional $1 million for the upkeep of the fountains.
A news release issued Wednesday said a recognition event and a ribbon-cutting, free and open to the public, were scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday. Due to storms in the forecast, the event could be delayed or canceled.
Indianapolis, IN
That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds
See the 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting ceremon
Highlights: Indiana Ave. and 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting on Indiana Ave. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.
The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.
How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?
According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.
The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.
“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”
According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.
What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?
Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.
The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.
What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?
Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.
“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
ICYMI: Top 5 IndyStar business stories in May 2026
A busy month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reignited debates about hotels and the downtown heliport. Plus, Eli Lilly celebrated 150 years.
May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.
There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.
Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.
Openings
Monkee’s
8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March
Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.
The Nest Play Cafe
515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May
The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.
Forget Me Not Piercing Studio
5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27
A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.
Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square
1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May
Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closures
Vitality IV Bar
6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com
An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.
Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.
See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.
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