How long will the Colts starters play in Sunday's preseason opener?

The Indianapolis Colts will open their 2015 preseason this Sunday as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.  The game is at 1:00 p.m. eastern time, and if you're wanting to see the Colts starters, you probably don't want to turn the game on late.

There's no firm decision on how much Andrew Luck and the other starters will play, but head coach Chuck Pagano said this morning that those who are healthy will play.  "We're going to get everybody that's healthy some playing time,"Pagano said, while also saying that the starters will play about a series or two.

That's right in line with what the Colts have done in past years.  In 2013, Andrew Luck played just ten snaps (on two drives) in the preseason opener, while in 2014 he played just 12 snaps (on one drive) in their first preseason game.  So if you want to see Andrew Luck, or some of his top receivers like T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson, turn the game on early.  They'll get one or two drives, depending on how long those drives are.

The preseason is really a time where the younger players get experience, and Pagano acknowledged that, saying that "the young guys will play a lot." That's really the beneficial part of preseason for coaches and talent evaluators - getting to see how some of the rookies and young backups who are fighting for roster spots play once the pads come on for a real game.

Of course, there's also no real reason to rush injured players back for a preseason game, so we'll likely see the Colts take the cautious approach with injured guys.  For example, cornerback Vontae Davis, who has missed the past few days with a groin injury, probably won't play on Sunday.  Any other player who has been out a while is doubtful as well, Pagano said, though he's not yet ready to give any official on who won't be playing.

We'll get a chance to see some of the younger players and rookies a lot on Sunday as the Colts take on the Eagles, but we'll also get to see many of the starters as well.  But if you're tuning in just to see Andrew Luck and the other first-teamers, you should make sure you turn on the TV early so you don't miss it.