INDIANAPOLIS --- Where does rookie wide receiver Duron Carter fit in on the Colts, after coming over from the CFL? Wherever he can, he said at his locker Thursday. That's the correct answer for a rookie in a room as crowded and talented as this Colts wide receiving corp.
So what does he want to show in his third preseason game, after quiet performances in the first two, following a very impressive training camp?
"3rd preseason game, we plan to open it up a little bit more. We have a lot more, I guess, opportunities on the outside," said Carter Thursday. "Sort of not thinking so much."
That's what Carter said he did against Philadelphia and Chicago to start the preseason. He has just one reception for 16 yards in the preseason on five targets. After catching at least 8 touchdowns during training camp, including four in one day, is Carter looking for the cherry on top Saturday night against the Rams to go along with that practice production?
"Nah I still need the ice cream, man," Carter replied. "I still need the groundwork to sort of get me in there. That's all up to the coaching staff and quarterbacks and me to get open and make plays."
You see it sometimes with young players in the NFL. Playing well in practice is one thing. Playing well in games is another thing altogether. Carter said he just wants to play fast this time.
"You get into the game, and you just want to do everything the right way and play like a little robot," said Carter. "In this 3rd preseason game, go out there, be me, relax, and do what I can do...In practice, there's a lot of reps, a lot of time. In games, there's a lot less. Hopefully in this game, I can come up and do more."
Carter says he's a lot more comfortable knowing the offense going into St. Louis too. We'll see if the third time will be the charm for #9 Saturday night.
