INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts on Thursday were putting in their final preparations for Saturday's preseason Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team, participating in its second practice back at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center since the end of training camp, did have some notable names missing from the practice field in the first 15 minutes or so of the session that were available to be seen by the media.
But one key player that was present on the field for the first time in a while was veteran running back Robert Turbin. Turbin had not been able to practice since suffering an ankle injury in the Colts' first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Here are a few observations from the early portion of Thursday's practice:
— Those either not out on the field or not participating were quarterback Brad Kaaya (back), wide receiver K.J. Brent (knee), wide receiver James Wright (knee), cornerback D.J. White (groin), running back Marlon Mack (hamstring), cornerback Nate Hairston (hamstring), cornerback Quincy Wilson (hand), defensive end Tarell Basham (knee), linebacker Jeremiah George (back), tackle Anthony Castonzo (hamstring), defensive tackle/end Tyquan Lewis (foot) and defensive tackle/end Denico Autry (ankle).
— UPDATE: We received injury updates on White, Hairston, Wilson, Basham, George and Autry after today'spractice. All are considered day-to-day.
— The potential return of Turbin, meanwhile, could be a huge shot in the arm for a Colts running back position that has been hit hard with the injury bug the last few weeks. Mack has also been out since Aug. 9 and is not expected to be back until the start of the regular season, while Josh Ferguson suffered a groin injury Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens and has since been waived with an injury designation. The others at the position are Christine Michael, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, Branden Oliver and Tion Green.
— Those taking center snaps with the quarterbacks at the beginning of practice: Ryan Kelly, Deyshawn Bond, Matt Slauson, Le'Raven Clark, Tyreek Burwell and Mark Glowinski. Joe Haeg — who has been in as the primary second-team center for most of the offseason workout program and training camp — was off working with the other offensive linemen on Thursday.
— Those fielding kickoffs in an early special teams drill: Chester Rogers and Hines. Those fielding punts: Rogers, Hines and T.Y. Hilton.
— The Colts were not wearing full pads for a second straight day; they were in helmets, shells and shorts.
