INDIANAPOLIS –Under a quiet and cool setting, the Colts were back to practice Monday, some 15 hours after they left Lucas Oil Stadium and their first Training Camp session of 2017.
The Colts remained in shorts and a helmet at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, with the full pads coming Tuesday.
What were the takeaways from the Colts' second practice of the 2017 Training Camp?
PRACTICE TAKEAWAYS
- The quarterback play from Scott Tolzien was much more consistent on Day Two. Tolzien spread the ball around, and got pass catchers involved from several different position groups.
Obviously, the Colts want to see this sort of Tolzien during camp. It's well-served for many reasons. One of those is to allow for the staff to evaluate the receivers/tight ends. The Colts have a heated competition at receiver, so they need Tolzien to provide the proper evaluation for those skills guys.
- Antonio Morrison is a definite name to watch at inside linebacker. Through two practices, Morrison continues to show up, oftentimes next to Jon Bostic. The two Florida Gator products have been the main starters, with Edwin Jackson also factoring in, more so on passing downs.
Morrison, a fourth-round pick in 2016, is known for his run defense. He also brings a nastier presence to the middle of the defense. Morrison isn't afraid to mix it up a bit and did start four games to close out last season.
- One player that was missing on Monday was rookie safety Malik Hooker. His absence was not injury related though. Chuck Pagano said after Monday's practice that a "family issue" took Hooker away from the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
On Day Two, the Colts had more rotation within their starting secondary group. When Vontae Davis and Darius Butler would exit after a few reps, Quincy Wilson and T.J. Green would play with the starters. Safety Matthias Farley, a starting safety right now, had another pass deflection on Monday.
OTHER PRACTICE MUSINGS
- With the Colts scaling Frank Gore (ankle) back a bit right now, Robert Turbin and the youngsters are receiving extra first-team reps. The Colts have some burst with Josh Ferguson, Marlon Mack and Dalton Crossan.
- A starting defensive line has shown itself through two days. It looks like Al Woods in the middle, with Johnathan Hankins and Henry Anderson flanking him. Chuck Pagano joked after practice that Woods "could barely fit in the door" when he came for his free agent visit this spring. Remember, DE-Kendall Langford is still on the PUP list.
- Looking for a name to watch at corner? Don't forget about Tevin Mitchel, who can play both corner spots. Mitchel is probably the backup nickel right now (to Darryl Morris) and continues to flash. Mitchel is a former fifth-round pick that just hasn't been able to stay healthy.
- And at safety? Chuck Pagano has liked what Lee Hightower has given the Colts so far. This team needs to find depth at both secondary positions.
- The play of the day was undrafted free agent quarterback Phillip Walker hooking up with fellow undrafted wide receiver JoJo Natson for a deep touchdown.
- Monday's practice was again pretty much an extension of what we saw in OTAs. Guys participated in shorts and helmets. Full pads are coming on Tuesday. Look for the physicality to increase.
- Fans still have one more chance to catch the Colts in Training Camp. While practices at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center are closed to the public, the Colts will have an open practice Saturday night at Warren Central High School. Details on that practice can be found here.
INJURY REPORT
The following players did not participate in Monday's practice: S-Clayton Geathers (neck), DE-Kendall Langford (knee), QB-Andrew Luck (shoulder) and OL-Brian Schwenke (right leg). All four of those guys are on the physically unable to perform list. Rookie safety Malik Hooker missed Monday's practice due to a family issue, per Chuck Pagano.**
PAGANO QUOTEWORTHY**
Chuck Pagano on current starting nose tackle Al Woods:
"He barely could fit through the door (on his free agent visit). He's got paws on him that, I've never seen a hand that big. No seriously, he's a big, big man and he's a good athlete for his size. He's hard to move. When you've got guys that size and that strong in the middle and they can command double teams, you're going to be better and better on defense."
PLAYER QUOTE OF THE DAY
Running back Frank Gore on entering a contract year at the age of 34:
"I've got to take it one day at a time, one year at a time. If I am successful this year and I want to play next year someone will pick me up – if it's not here, someone else. As long as I just go out there and play and try to be me. I'm not thinking about no contract yet, I'm just thinking about taking it one day at a time, getting better each day and trying to do whatever it takes to have a better year."
**
TWEET OF THE DAY
**
CAMP SCHEDULE (all practices closed to the public, besides Saturday, August 5 at Warren Central High School)
Tuesday, August 1
8:00 – 10:45 a.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 2
Players' Day Off
Thursday, August 3
8:00 – 10:45 a.m. – Practice
Friday, August 4
8:00 – 10:45 a.m. – Practice
Saturday, August 5 – Practice at Warren Central High School (open to the public)
5:50 – 8:20 p.m. – Practice
Sunday, August 6
2:20-4:50 p.m. – Practice
Monday, August 7
Players' Day Off
Tuesday, August 8
8:00-10:45 a.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 9
8:00-10:45 a.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 10 – Joint practice with Detroit Lions
9:30-11:40 a.m. – Practice
Friday, August 11 – Joint practice with Detroit Lions
9:30-11:40 a.m. – Practice
Sunday, August 13
Preseason Game 1 – Indianapolis vs. Detroit – 1:30 p.m.
Monday, August 14
Players' Day Off
Tuesday, August 15
1:45-4:05 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 16
8:00-10:45 a.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 17
8:00-10:45 a.m. – Practice*
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.*
