INDIANAPOLIS – Under overcast skies, the Colts were back outside for their Wednesday morning practice.
Looking ahead to Saturday's preseason home opener, the game will air locally on FOX 59, along with a national broadcast via NFL Network.
On Wednesday morning, it was time for offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Ted Monachino to meet the media.
INJURY NEWS
The following players did not appear to be practicing on Wednesday: DE-Henry Anderson (knee), CB-Jalil Brown (foot), CB-Darius Butler (undisclosed), DE-Kendall Langford (knee) and WR-Chester Rogers (undisclosed).Ted Monachino on the play of T.J. Green from the preseason opener:
"T.J. is not where he wants to be, not where we need him to be. But what he did show was his willingness to be physical, to fit in the run game and showed some great range in the pass game.
"Those things are things we predicted and expected. He will continue to grow to play the game at this level."
Bowen's Analysis:* *Clayton Geathers remains in a walking boot. With his return date in jeopardy for Week One, T.J. Green is the guy (right now) next to veteran safety Mike Adams. Monachino said on Wednesday that Green needs to disguise himself better and be able to roll in different ways from the safety position.
As far as the entire unit, Monachino said the Colts are deep in the install phase. It was a great quote from Monachino explaining where they are at install wise: "We're out of the meat and potatoes install and into the French pastry part of the install." Look for the Colts to use a little more of their defensive playbook this weekend, after playing just three or four calls in the preseason opener.
Rob Chudzinski on getting Andrew Luck back to game action this weekend:
"Andrew has played enough football that you feel pretty confident he's going to pick up where he left off.
"He loves playing the game. Whether it's out here in practice or just a pick up (game), he's passionate about it. I know it will be special for him. It will be an opportunity for him to get back on the field and playing."
Bowen's Analysis: Last year, Andrew Luck and Rob Chudzinski only worked together (as the starting quarterback/offensive coordinator) for one game. It happened to be the Denver game, an outing the offense, particularly Luck, had its finest performance of the season. On Saturday, Chudzinski will be looking for execution out of Luck in comfortably working within a new offensive system, in an actual game.
Chud spoke on Wednesday about the improvement needed within the offensive line group this week. Chud said he likes what the line has been doing in practice, specifically with an emphasis of ramping up the physicality.
Rob Chudzinski on finding a No. 4, No. 5 wide receiver and the inconsistencies with that group:
"One play you're high-fiving and the next play you're pulling your hair out. Then the next play it's back to the good.
"There are a lot of natural ups and downs with those guys. Somebody has to take it. Somebody has to go get it in the next couple of weeks."
Bowen's Analysis: Parting ways with Josh Boyce has opened up a door that had been occupied by one guy receiving much of the No. 4 receiver reps (Boyce). Quan Bray, because of his return ability, is a favorite for one of the two spots. The other spot is anyone's guess.
Chud's quote is expected when you're talking about a group that combined hasn't recorded an NFL catch. We've seen Chester Rogers flash and his speed is enticing for special teams, an area that is a must for whoever rounds out the receiving group. Again, don't forget about the waiver wire after final cut downs being a route the Colts could explore to fill out this position.
ROSTER MOVES
On Wednesday morning, the Colts filled their open roster spot by signing safety Alden Darby, a 2014 undrafted free agent who has spent time with three different NFL teams.
