4 takeaways from Packers joint practice against Colts

The Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts squared off in a one-day joint practice on Thursday at the Colts training camp facility just north of Indianapolis. Matt LaFleur's team was without Jordan Love, who had surgery on his left thumb on Tuesday, plus several other starters, including at receiver and in the defensive secondary. But in a controlled but competitive environment, reps during a joint practice are hugely valuable, and at least one side of the ball was dominant for the Packers on Thursday.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium for a preseason game.

Four takeaways from Thursday's joint practice in Westfield, Indiana:

The Packers will be in trouble if...

...Jordan Love and five of the offense's top six receivers aren't available this season. Unsurprisingly, the offense struggled to move the football without their starting quarterback and most of the top weapons in the passing game. Not having Love would be tough enough to overcome, but the Packers were without Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams because of injuries. Considering Love isn't expected to play in the final two preseason games, it's possible the starting group in the passing game will have limited reps together before Week 1.

LVN leads disruptive defense

The Packers defense dominated on one side of the field. Per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, Jeff Hafley's defense produced at least 10 sacks and four takeaways, including multiple sacks from Lukas Van Ness and three total interceptions, and allowed only two total touchdowns. Van Ness, a breakout candidate in 2025, continued to stack good days. Javon Bullard was able to "sound the siren" when he stripped a Colts receiver after a catch, leading to an Evan Williams recovery. The Colts offensive line lost a few veterans but remains strong overall, especially at tackle. A disruptive day from the Packers defensive front is a good sign.

Final damage for #Packers defense against Colts: 10 sacks, 4 takeaways, at least 3 TFLs.

Colts had TD in 2-minute period. Only highlight today. They also had red-zone period of 22 plays. Packers allowed just one TD, a 3-yard run.

Yeah...it was like that.— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 14, 2025

McManus continues to roll

The Packers veteran kicker made all four of his kicks in a live setting, including a 56-yarder. His training camp has been near perfect, giving the Packers true stability on special teams. Perhaps feeling extra confident, McManus attempted a 70-yarder on his own, and the long-distance kick just barely made it. Oh my, he's on fire!

Brandon McManus just hit a 70-yard FG that bounced off the crossbar and in. Wasn’t during a live period. They were just messing around, but…— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 14, 2025

Love and Doubs

Packers quarterback Jordan Love had successful surgery on his injured thumb, and while he wasn't available to participate, he was in Indianapolis for the joint practice. "On the road to recovery," said Love, who acknowledged he did the surgery to make sure he'd be 100 percent for Week 1. Both Love and coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the plan is for the Packers starting quarterback to be back on the practice field next week. Elsewhere on offense, receiver Romeo Doubs missed practice with the back injury he suffered at practice on Tuesday, but LaFleur said he had no concerns about the injuries long term.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 4 takeaways from Packers joint practice against Colts