The Cincinnati Bengals host the Indianapolis Colts in Thursday's preseason finale at Paycor Stadium.

There, the Bengals will sort out some interesting positional battles and gather film that helps coaches determine the final 53-man roster.

Along the way, they'll encounter a rising Colts team that is on the climb thanks to budding star quarterback Anthony Richardson. Granted, the Colts won't roll out a ton of starters, either.

Even so, it is always interesting to get a look at the matchup and another potential AFC contender ahead of cut downs, so we linked up with Colts Wire's Paul Bretl for some information.

Will the Colts run any starters in this finale?

Colts Wire: Yes, head coach Shane Steichen announced on Tuesday after the joint practice between the Colts and Bengals that the starters will play roughly a quarter and a half. Some may play more and others may play less, but this will be our first extended look at the Colts' starters this preseason.

Who on the Colts' offensive depth chart can put some serious strain on Cincinnati's secondary?

Colts Wire: Michael Pittman is the obvious choice. Since arriving in Indianapolis, he has been the definition of consistent for this offense. Two other names to know are the Colts' rookies AD Mitchell and Anthony Gould. Mitchell brings an explosiveness as a route runner that allows him to impact all levels of the field, while Gould, with his 4.39 speed, has been a downfield threat, primarily with the Colts' second-team offense in training camp.

How's the second-string and beyond pass rush? Cincinnati has been demoting and moving around linemen trying to find a good second unit all summer.

Colts Wire: The pass rush from top to bottom is a strength of this Colts team. GM Chris Ballard has made it clear that he wants a rotation along the defensive front that runs eight defenders deep, and it looks like the Colts have that, and potentially then some, with the emergence this summer of Adetomiwa Adebawore and Isaiah Land. Those two will join Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, and DeForest Buckner, among others. The Colts are coming off a 2023 season in which they finished fifth in sacks, although they, admittedly, do need to find more pass rush consistency after ranking 22nd in pressure rate, but appear poised to do so.

Any fringe cut or trade candidates for Bengals to keep an eye on?

Colts Wire: A few players who come to mind that are fighting for roster spots include defensive tackle Taven Bryan, cornerback Darrell Baker, and guard/center Danny Pinter.

How's the rookie class? Adonai Mitchell was one of those guys Bengals fans were pointing out before the draft.

Colts Wire: Early impressions of the rookie class are quite positive. First-round pick Laiatu Latu has been incredibly disruptive as a pass rusher and looks like he will make a quick impact. Mitchell is competing for a starting role, but regardless, he will see his share of playing time this season. Offensive linemen Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini will bolster the depth of that unit and could each be potential starters down the road, while Gould will bring some juice to the return units. On Day 3, Jaylon Carlies, Jaylin Simpson, and Micah Abraham have all had their moments as well and show upside as developmental players.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' preseason finale vs. Colts features important things to know