A Categorical Look at the Day in Colts Camp
EYE ON CAMP
Michael Coe likely won't be playing for at least two months.
Whether he returns this season remains to be seen, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said on Thursday.
Coe, a second-year cornerback from Alabama State, underwent what Dungy called on Thursday successful knee surgery earlier this week. Dungy said Coe's rehabilitation is expected to last "at least a couple of months."
"We're looking at probably eight weeks from now before he's ready to get back going," Dungy said Thursday between a pair of practices at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Dungy said the Colts likely won't decide whether to play Coe on injured reserve – a move that would end his season – until the team trims its roster to 53 players just before the regular season.
"Well have to look at that as we come down," Dungy said. "We won't have to make any decisions now. When we cut down to 53, we'll have to see where we are and how we are healthwise.
"It'd be nice to be able to keep him. We'll see what happens, though."
Also on Thursday, Colts cornerback Dante Hughes had a root canal at 6 a.m., but was scheduled to participate in the evening practice.
In other Colts news, the Colts have signed linebacker Danny Verdun-Wheeler (6-feet-2, 248), a first-year veteran. Verdun Wheeler played against the Colts as a member of the Washington Redskins last week and also has spent time on the Chicago Bears' practice squad.
The Colts released linebacker Brandon Archer.
Also on Thursday night, middle linebacker Gary Brackett (groin) returned to practice.
CAMP SKED
The Colts held two practices Thursday at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute – a full-team practice at 8:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. The Colts will practice at 9:30 a.m. Friday before leaving for their second preseason game – at Carolina.
WEATHER RE
The temperature in Terre Haute on Thursday reached 82 degrees. According to weather.com, the forecast for Friday morning calls for a temperature of 64 degrees.
PLAY OF THE DAY
Marvin Harrison continued to have a standout training camp on Thursday.
Harrison, who missed 11 games with a knee injury last season, missed the preseason opener this past Sunday, but has practiced throughout training camp and on Thursday, he had one of the night practice's most memorable plays.
Toward the end of the night practice, Harrison ran a route in the middle of the end zone and caught a hard-thrown pass from reserve quarterback Quinn Gray just in front of a defender for a touchdown.
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS
--- Wide receiver Reggie Wayne had several catches in the night practice, including a 15-yard reception from quarterback Jim Sorgi.
--- Running back Joseph Addai had several long runs in the night practice, including one down the right sideline and one up the middle.
--- Safety Brandon Foster continued to have an impressive training camp, defending one pass in the night practice and intercepting one in the morning.
--- Safety Brannon Condren also continued an impressive camp, making his third interception of camp in the morning and his fourth at night.
--- Veteran wide receiver Courtney Roby had a leaping, fingertip reception for a touchdown in the night practice.
--- Cornerback T.J. Rushing intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the night practice.
WHO'S COVERING THE COLTS
Media in Terre Haute for 2008 Training Camp on Thursday included Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I just feel a lot better this year than I did last year. Coming in as a rookie last year, I didn't really know what was going on in our defense and I was kind of lost out there. I pretty much didn't know what I was doing. I was running around out there like a chicken with his head cut off. This year, I actually have a clue what's going on. Things are slowing down and I'm making a little bit better breaks on the ball."
--- Colts Safety Brannon Condren
TRIVIA QUIZ
The Colts finished last season ranked third in the NFL in total defense. When was the last time they ranked third or higher in total defense?
DUNGY SAYS
"It was a good day this morning. I thought our energy level was up. I thought our players sensed that we're getting ready for a game. It was a good practice and we got a lot of things done."
--- Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy
FOR THE FANS
Colts City was open Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. for the Colts Tailgate Party. Elements included 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
The year was 1971, when the Colts ranked first in the NFL in total defense.
