Pro Football Hall of Fame Game 2016: Top Storylines for Packers vs. Colts

The NFL can officially be considered back when the Green Bay Packers take on the Indianapolis Colts in the 2016 Hall of Fame Game on Sunday.

The preseason doesn't matter a whole lot when it comes to evaluating teams, and the first exhibition usually counts for even less. However, it's the first chance for fans to watch live football since February's Super Bowl.

Meanwhile, there will be plenty to watch as two of the most talented teams in football go head-to-head Sunday night. Here is a look at the top storylines to follow in the upcoming preseason battle.

Who Will Play Quarterback for Green Bay?

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The most famous player on either roster in this game is Aaron Rodgers, but it appears as though he might not even step foot on the field. With backup Brett Hundley also nursing an ankle injury, the Packers could be down to just Joe Callahan and Marquise Williams, according to Jason Wilde of ESPN.com.

On the plus side, Rodgers explained that the game won't just be vacation time for him, per Wilde:

"

If I'm not playing -- and I haven't played a ton in the preseason the last couple years -- I'm on the headset, I'm listening to the plays, I'm helping [Hundley] out, and I'll be there for Joe and Marquise as well. I stay dialed into the game.

I'll enjoy some laughs when the defense is out there, but I'll be watching the game, for sure.

"

Last year was a bit of a down season for Rodgers compared to what we normally see from the former MVP. His 92.7 quarterback rating was his lowest since 2008, his first full year as a starter in Green Bay. With that said, the Packers shouldn't be worried about the quarterback preparing for the season.

Even if he is rusty heading into the regular season, it's still better than getting hurt.

It would be more disappointing if Hundley can't play, as the second-year player could use some reps. The former fifth-round pick had zero pass attempts during his rookie season.

In the end, this opening game could serve as little more than a battle for the third spot on the roster as undrafted free agents Callahan and Williams show what they can do.

How Will Colts Offensive Line Hold Up?

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Andrew Luck signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Colts this summer. Now they have to figure out how to keep him healthy.

Injuries limited Luck to just seven games last season, and while the offensive line wasn't completely to blame, it didn't help much, allowing 37 sacks on the season. This could lead to some changes heading into 2016.

Anthony Castonzo and Joe Reitz will likely stay where they are as bookends, while Jack Mewhort should stay at left guard after a solid season. However, Mike Chappell of CBS 4 reported Denzelle Good appears to have replaced Hugh Thornton at right guard.

Chappell added that Jon Harrison has played with the first-team offense at center, although that is mainly due to rookie Ryan Kelly's shoulder injury. Hopefully, the No. 18 overall pick will return to action in time to play Sunday night.

Meanwhile, third-round pick Le'Raven Clark has plenty of potential at tackle and could showcase his talent during the game. The coaching staff will have a lot of choices this year, and the hope is that the young players can reach their potential and create an above-average offensive line.

Will Packers Defensive Rookies Reach Expectations?

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Green Bay had a clear strategy in the draft: upgrading the defensive front seven. The organization took defensive tackle Kenny Clark with the No. 27 pick and then added linebackers Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez as well as defensive end Dean Lowry in the next three rounds.

Unsurprisingly, Clark has been the biggest difference-maker so far in practice, making an impact against both the run and the pass.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Clark is already in line for a starting role:

Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com added that Clark could get plenty of work in nickel and dime packages as well thanks to his pass-rushing ability.

Martinez also has a chance to play a major role thanks to his ability to play on every down in the middle of the field. Fackrell and Lowry are further behind, but both could make an impact in sub-packages.

There's a long way to go until the start of the season, but all four men have a chance to show what they can do Sunday.

Breakout Opportunity for Josh Ferguson?

Although Josh Ferguson was an undrafted free agent, the Colts paid heavily to make sure he joined the organization this year. Now he will get a chance to prove he should not only make the team but also get plenty of touches during the regular season.

The speedy running back has turned heads in training camp, impressing when he has gotten the opportunity. As Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star wrote, "With Frank Gore and Robert Turbin taking a bit of a back seat, rookie Josh Ferguson had a strong performance, taking full advantage of his reps with the first-team offense."

Brad Evans of Yahoo Sports believes Ferguson could end up gaining a major role during the year:

Gore is the clear starter, but the team likely knows what the 33-year-old veteran can provide at this stage. He will probably see limited playing time throughout the preseason as he tries to stay fresh for the regular season.

That leaves a battle between Turbin, Ferguson and Jordan Todman. Although Ferguson is the least experienced of the group, the former Illinois star has a chance to make an impression in this first game Sunday in Canton, Ohio.

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