WESTFIELD, Ind. — The numbers show that the first seven to 10 days of training camp are when players are most likely to suffer injuries.
So taking that re-acclimation process into account, the Indianapolis Colts will limit the on-field action of several players for the first week or so of camp this year to ease them back and help limit the chance of a setback of any sort.
That's according to general manager Chris Ballard, who spoke to reporters on Wednesday as the Colts reported to Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind., for the official start of training camp.
"When we left here after vet minicamp we had a bunch of guys that really weren't practicing yet," Ballard said. "We're gonna limit some guys. They're gonna practice, but we're gonna work them back in."
Those that could be limited include:
» Quarterback Andrew Luck*:* Luck missed the entire on-field portion of the offseason workout program as a precaution he dealt with a calf injury. Ballard said Luck has been doing some live throwing since the end of veteran minicamp, however. "Arm's in good shape," he added.
» Wide receiver Deon Cain*:* Cain suffered a torn ACL in the Colts' first preseason game last year against the Seattle Seahawks, and has been working his way back since. Ballard knows it could still be a while until Cain is 100 percent, but said the second-year wide receiver has looked solid in workouts the first couple days of the week.
» Safety Clayton Geathers*:* Geathers underwent a knee procedure earlier this offseason and missed the on-field portion of OTAs and minicamp. After missing 22 games the past three seasons with various injuries, Geathers said his primary goal this season is to get to a point where he can feel good enough to practice every day.
» Defensive end Carroll Phillips*:* Phillips was initially placed on the Colts' Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Monday with an undisclosed injury, but by Tuesday as passed a physical and was moved back to the active roster.
» Tight end Jack Doyle: Doyle underwent a hip procedure and missed the entire on-field portion of the offseason workout program. The Pro Bowler suffered the injury in Week 2 last season against the Washington Redskins and missed five games, and then suffered a season-ending kidney injury Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins.
» Tight end Ross Travis*:* Travis suffered a torn ACL late in the Colts' preseason finale last year against the Cincinnati Bengals.
» Running back Spencer Ware*:* Ballard said Ware has been dealing with a muscle injury, and will be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin camp. Ware is expected to return to practice within a couple weeks, according to Ballard.
» Wide receiver Daurice Fountain*:* Fountain rolled his ankle during a workout a couple weeks ago and has been placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list to start camp. Ballard believes Fountain could be ready to go soon, however.
Ballard didn't want to downplay the importance of training camp practices, but said having players available for the regular season clearly takes precedence.
"Look: we're getting ready to play the Chargers," Ballard said of the Los Angeles Chargers, the Colts' Week 1 opponent. "You know, that's where our mindset is right now. So (we're) making sure we're taking all the right steps with all these guys."
