Colts rookie Caden Curry set for hometown preseason appearance
The sixth-round pick is poised to face his former high school rivals after leading the Indianapolis Colts in tackles during the team’s opening preseason fixture.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has confirmed that rookie edge rusher Caden Curry will make his second preseason appearance on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the former Center Grove High School star. The game will see Curry face his hometown team at Lucas Oil Stadium, a venue where he spent his youth watching the Colts play.
Curry’s inclusion in the starting plans follows a standout performance in the team’s 13 August preseason opener against the New England Patriots. Playing the bulk of his snaps with the third-string defence against a third-string New England offence, Curry led the Colts with six total tackles and two tackles for loss. He also contributed to two of the team’s five batted passes and recorded one of Indianapolis’ two sacks.
Steichen, who is in his fourth year as head coach, highlighted Curry’s ability to navigate the complex system implemented by second-year defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The coach praised the rookie’s instincts, noting that Curry “finds a way to make plays,” including winning a one-on-one matchup against a guard. Steichen described Curry as a player with “great football instincts” who is likely to be a long-term asset to the league.
Curry was selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the April NFL Draft at No. 214. Prior to his professional career, he played for Ohio State, where he led the Big Ten Conference with 11 sacks during the previous fall season. His collegiate success followed a high school career in which he helped the Center Grove Trojans secure two IHSAA 6A state titles in 2020 and 2021.
The rookie’s path to the NFL was marked by a personal connection to the franchise. Upon receiving the draft call at his parents’ home, Curry reportedly retrieved a royal blue Colts jersey with the number 18 and a Super Bowl patch from his boyhood closet. While his spot on the roster is not yet formally cemented, his performance has helped secure his position within the defensive line.
The Colts’ current starting defensive line features edge rushers Laiatu Latu and Arden Key, alongside defensive tackles Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. Curry’s emergence provides depth to a unit that is absorbing an aggressive, pressure-based scheme, with his upcoming appearance against his former high school team serving as a test of his readiness for the regular season.
