ANDERSON, Ind. – It's time to turn the lights on at Anderson University.
Players will be practicing under the lights inside of Macholtz Stadium on Tuesday night for their annual night practice at camp.
The players still held their morning walk-through on Tuesday and will adjust their normal afternoon schedule before the night practice runs from 6:25-9:10 p.m.
In today's media scrums, Chuck Pagano talked about starting right tackle Joe Reitz, the progression of cornerback D'Joun Smith and the injury updates for center Ryan Kelly and safety Mike Adams. Andrew Luck also spoke on Tuesday about the team's night practice.
Andrew Luck on Tuesday's night practice:
"There's always great energy. It's fun to be in a stadium, in front of the fans.
"I always try to go deep over the defense (smiles)."
Bowen's Analysis:* *It will be a "Fright Night Lights" feel to Tuesday's practice. The Colts will be back in full pads tonight, in front of a packed house at Macholtz Stadium. Expect the energy level to increase a bit tonight, particularly with the Colts' practicing in cooler temperatures.
On Tuesday morning, Luck shared his thoughts on getting playing time during this weekend's season opener. A game setting, even a brief one, allows the Colts to replicate things they can't simulate in practice. Luck wants to also see how guys handle everything that comes in a game atmosphere, in front of plenty of Packers' fans in Canton.
Chuck Pagano on starting right tackle Joe Reitz:
"He's played a lot of winning football for us.
"We talk about abilities all the time. You can check them all with him. The guy is a damn good football player."
Bowen's Analysis: I'm not sure this position was ever in doubt. We haven't seen anyone besides Reitz take a first-team rep at right tackle. Reitz was sound on the right edge in 2015. He's the Colts' starter there again this season.
The right guard spot next to Reitz remains a mystery. Hugh Thornton is still atop the depth chart, but Denzelle Good has taken plenty of starting reps in recent days. The Colts know four starters on their offensive line: LT-Anthony Castonzo, LG-Jack Mewhort, C-Ryan Kelly and RT-Joe Reitz. Right guard is still to be decided.
Chuck Pagano on the health of cornerback D'Joun Smith:
"He's made some plays. He's moving around.
"He's not 100 percent. Because he's been out for so long, it takes some time to get back into it. He's pushing through some things."
Bowen's Analysis: Moving Darius Butler to safety, because of injury, has opened the door for Smith to get some first-team run. When the Colts are going to their nickel defense, Smith is a guy running out there.
Pagano likes how Smith's body language looks and has seen the confidence/swagger that the Colts' head coach witnessed at Florida Atlantic. The Colts know who their starting corners are, but growth from Smith is so important for a position that often needs to reach into their depth during a season.
Day four practice of the Colts 2016 Training Camp!