Jason Bean and fellow Indianapolis Colts backups Tyler Goodson and Zavier Scott each contributed a rushing touchdown in a 21-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason matchup on Saturday night. The game featured both teams’ reserve players as head coaches Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon opted to rest most of their starters following joint practices earlier in the week.
Bean showcased his abilities, completing 7 of 9 passes for 94 yards and one interception, along with a 1-yard touchdown run that began the fourth quarter. Goodson, starting the game, rushed six times for 35 yards and scored the Colts’ first touchdown. Scott, competing for the third running back position, carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards and has now scored four touchdowns in the first two preseason games.
For the Cardinals, Clayton Tune started at quarterback and completed 8 of 10 passes for 79 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown run late in the first half. Desmond Ridder followed with 6 of 10 passing for 71 yards. Arizona struggled with penalties, accumulating 11 of them compared to just 13 first downs.
This was the first preseason clash between the two franchises since August 1967, when they were located in Baltimore and St. Louis, respectively. Notably absent from the game was Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who has yet to play at Lucas Oil Stadium, the same stadium where his Hall of Fame father once played.
The Colts scored first with Goodson’s 8-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. The Cardinals responded with a 40-yard field goal early in the second, followed by a 12-yard touchdown run from Tune after an interception, giving Arizona a 10-7 halftime lead. However, Bean led a 75-yard drive to open the second half, culminating in Scott’s 6-yard touchdown run, followed by Bean’s second rushing touchdown, sealing the 21-13 outcome.
The Cardinals experienced a challenging night with rookie offensive lineman Christian Jones being penalized for holding on three consecutive plays during the second quarter.
Additionally, star WNBA player Caitlin Clark was present in the audience, just hours after leading her team, the Indiana Fever, to victory against the Phoenix Mercury.
Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez did not play as he welcomed his second child, while rookie kicker Spencer Shrader stepped in as both punter and holder and delivered a notable 63-yard punt.
In terms of injuries, Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II left the game with a finger injury, while Colts players JuJu Brents, Jelani Woods, and Josh Sills were sidelined in the first half. Backup Tanor Bortolini also suffered a right foot injury later in the game.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will conclude their preseason on August 25 against the Denver Broncos, while the Colts will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday after a joint practice.