INDIANAPOLIS – After practicing inside of Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, the Colts returned to the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center on Monday morning.
That is the setting the Colts will have for virtually the rest of Training Camp, practicing in a closed session during the morning hours.
A family issue, per head coach Chuck Pagano, had Malik Hooker not present for Monday's practice.
Here are some thoughts from Pagano, Frank Gore and Jack Mewhort after practice No. 2:
RG-Jack Mewhort on making the switch to the right side of the line:
"We've been cross-training a lot, and I took snaps at right guard in the spring when I was out here.
"It's nothing too big. It's not an earth-shattering development it's just something that we are doing to make everybody a little more versatile and cross-trained."
Bowen's Analysis:* *The last time Mewhort played right guard was during his sophomore season at Ohio State. But the Colts are sticking with the switch that first debuted on Sunday, with Mewhort flipping from left guard to right guard.
As Mewhort ramps up to a full workload, he's doing it at a new position. For the second straight day, the Colts drilled Mewhort at right guard and Joe Haeg at left guard. Before the full pads come Tuesday, the Colts have a settled on starting O-line player wise, with a slight shuffle to the five-man group in the first week of Training Camp.
RB-Frank Gore on wanting to play past the 2017 season, which is a contract year for the 34-year-old running back:
"I want to play next year. Someone will pick me up, if it's not here."
Bowen's Analysis: The 2017 season is the final year of the three-year deal Gore signed with the Colts back during the 2015 offseason. Gore stated on Monday that he wants to keep on playing past the 2017 season. Considering Gore's recent resume (hasn't missed a game since 2010 and coming off a 1,000-yard season last year) it should lead to teams not being afraid to sign a back that will be 35 years old in 2018.
Focusing on 2017, the Colts are scaling Gore back a bit this offseason, due to an ankle injury. Gore is still practicing, but we've seen a good amount of Robert Turbin, and even Josh Ferguson, with the first-team offense. It's all about building up to Week One, says Gore, who will undoubtedly be the starter for the regular season opener.
Chuck Pagano on what he's seen from Jacoby Brissett so far:
"Phil has not said a word. He's just come in here and worked. He's got a business-like approach to his game.
"He just needs to stay right where he's at, come out here and work and keep on making plays."
Bowen's Analysis: Monday was a much better day for the quarterbacks/receivers. We saw Phillip Dorsett have a nice day, and nearly hauled in a deep sideline pass from Scott Tolzien. This is a very critical season for Dorsett, as he nears the end of his rookie contract.
After T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief, the Colts have added to their wideout group through free agency (Kamar Aiken) and the emergence of Chester Rogers. Dorsett struggled last year when the Colts really needed someone opposite Hilton. The quality at the receiver position has only increased in 2017, and with reps somewhat scarce, Dorsett must make an impression this preseason to earn playing time.
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
