A Categorical Look at the Day in Colts Camp
EYE ON CAMP
The Colts won't practice many days this week.
And because of that, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said the three full days of work the team will get become a bit more imant.
The Colts, after losing to the Washington Redskins in the Hall of Fame Game Sunday, had Monday off and had a relatively light day Tuesday before going through a pair of full-team practices on Wednesday.
The Colts will practice twice Thursday, then once on Friday morning before traveling to Carolina to play the Panthers on Saturday night.
"It was nice to get back in the swing of things and get back to regular practice," Dungy said on Wednesday between a pair of 2008 Training Camp practices at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. "It's going to be a short week for us, as I mentioned Sunday. I think it's going to be good from a player's standpoint to keep things moving and start getting ready for Carolina.
"So far, camp has been good. I like where we are right now – our attitude, our chemistry and the way we're progressing forward. I told our team yesterday our goal this week was to get better, to improve this week of training camp. We got off to a good start on that today."
LINEBACKER SIGNED
With two more linebackers unavailable, the Colts this week signed Dedrick Harrington, a linebacker from the University of Missouri.
Harrington, a first-year veteran, spent time on the Colts' practice squad last season and also has spent time with Dallas and St. Louis.
Linebackers Gary Brackett (groin) and Clint Session (calf) missed the preseason opener against Washington, and Dungy said Wednesday they likely will miss Saturday's game against Carolina. Linebackers Brandon Archer and Victor Worsley are also out, Dungy said, and rookie linebacker Philip Wheeler underwent surgery this past weekend.
"It gives us the opportunity to work on our nickel and dime packages a little more," Dungy said. "That's the way we're taking this week."
In other Colts news, safety Melvin Bullitt returned to practice after missing the Carolina game and defensive lineman Ben Ishola also returned.
"It was good to see those guys back and it definitely helped," Dungy said.
Also, the Colts have waived kicker Adam Crossett.
CAMP SKED
The Colts held two practices Wednesday at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute – a full-team practice at 8:30 p.m. and another at 3:30 p.m. The Colts will practice at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
WEATHER REPORT
The temperature in Terre Haute on Wednesday reached 82 degrees. According to weather.com, the forecast for Thursday calls for a temperature of 83 degrees.
PLAY OF THE DAY
Reggie Wayne, a Pro Bowl wide receiver the past two seasons, has had a solid camp, making difficult catches and playing consistently throughout.
On Wednesday morning, he made a play typical of his camp.
Wayne, the Colts' first-round selection in the 2001 NFL Draft, already had caught a long pass down the right sideline from quarterback Jim Sorgi earlier in practice and several other intermediate-range passes.
Late in practice, Wayne – a 1,000-yard receiver each of the past four seasons – made a sharp cut to the outside on a play from inside the red zone. He beat the covering cornerback to the outside and caught a short touchdown pass from Sorgi.
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS
--- In the morning practice, third-year running back Joseph Addai had a long run up the middle for a first down.
--- Wide receiver Marvin Harrison continued to have a standout camp, catching several passes in the morning practice.
--- Tight end Dallas Clark caught a short pass from quarterback Jim Sorgi in the morning practice.
--- Wide receiver Onrea Jones caught a quick-in pass from quarterback Quinn Gray in the morning practice.
--- Rookie safety Brandon Foster broke up a pass and had an interception in the morning practice.
WHO'S COVERING THE COLTS
Media in Terre Haute for 2008 Training Camp on Wednesday included Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The young guys looked good (in Sunday's Night's Hall of Fame Game), especially our defensive linemen. They got to the quarterback pretty well and they took in everything pretty good. We just want to keep improving."
--- Colts Defensive End Raheem Brock
TRIVIA QUIZ
The playing surface at Lucas Oil Stadium is FieldTurf. How many other NFL stadiums currently feature FieldTurf?
DUNGY SAYS
"(Defensive end) Raheem (Brock), we're asking to do a lot of things. He's playing end on first and second down and going back inside in the nickel in passing situations. He's kind of keeping his foot in both places. That's not easy, but he's doing a good job of it."
--- Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy
FOR THE FANS
Colts City will be open Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. for the Colts Tailgate Party. Elements will include Colts In Motion traveling museum, Special Colts Give-a-ways (while supplies last), a live performance by "The Joes" (5-7 p.m.), the Colts ProShop, Sponsor Booths, The Blue Crew, team practice from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and more.
TRIVIA ANSWER
Seven – New England (Gillette Stadium), New York Giants/Jets (Giants Stadium), Atlanta (Georgia Dome), Detroit (Ford Field), Minnesota (Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome), St. Louis (Edward Jones Dome), Seattle (Qwest Field).
