INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts will return to the practice field today after having an off day on Wednesday. Today's news look at the Colts stalwarts at offensive tackle and the legacy of Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Take a look below at the top pieces fromThursday, December 26th.**Castonzo, Cherilus have been stalwarts on Colts' offensive line**By: Stephen Holder, Indy Star
Holder takes a look at the Colts bookend tackles in Anthony Castonzo and Gosder Cherilus.
"I actually think Gosder has been ballin' out," said Castonzo, fresh off a dominating performance against two-time Chiefs Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali. "I'm actually surprised there hasn't been more buzz about him for the Pro Bowl. He's been kicking a--, playing against a lot of good players and knocking them down one by one."
Of Castonzo, Cherilus said: "I'm telling you – you can mark this down – you can search the whole NFL and you will not find a guy who works harder than Anthony. I'm talking about from the weight room, to the training room, to outside on the field. He works hard and he's a very prideful individual. He takes a lot of pride in what he does and it's paying off. I'm so happy for him."
For all the issues the Colts have endured from the interior of their offensive line, where injuries and subpar play have been ever-present obstacles, the Colts have enjoyed superb play from their offensive tackles. They have been much-needed stalwarts, not missing so much as a snap this season for a team that has started seven different offensive-line combinations.
And they've done it while playing at a high level at two of the most critical positions on the field.
"You could say they've been the two pillars of strength," said quarterback Andrew Luck, the beneficiary of his tackles' protection from opposing edge rushers.
**Last game in teal for Maurice Jones-Drew?**By: Ryan O'Halloran, The Florida Times-Union
The Colts have had their fair share of battles with Maurice Jones-Drew over the years.
Could Sunday be the final one?
Jones-Drew could be playing his last game for the Jaguars, his five-year, $31.1 million contract set to expire. His odometer reads 1,791 carries for 8,032 yards.
"I know what I have left, and I feel like it's a lot," he said after the Jaguars' Christmas Eve walk-through. "I'll just go home, relax and hopefully things will work out for the best."
Jones-Drew will not involve himself in contract talks.
"I tried to talk [by holding out in August 2012], and I'm done talking," he said.
Jones-Drew's public stance is he wants to return, and it is believed the Jaguars would like him back but at a reasonable price and with the understanding he will have an adjusted role.
