Tevi brings versatile background to O-line
The Colts signed former Los Angeles Chargers tackle Sam Tevi this week, adding a versatile piece to their offensive line puzzle. Tevi played over 1,000 snaps at both left and right tackle during his four years with the Chargers and started 44 regular season games as well as two playoff contests.
"I'm comfortable playing either or. I don't really have a preference, right or left," Tevi said. "I think it feels the same to me. The only difference is putting a right hand or left hand down when you're on the left side, right side. Other than that, up to this point, I just play whatever coach wants me to play. So just ready to get to work."
Nevi said he's excited to join a "completely dominant" offensive line and highlighted his chance to learn from guys like Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith.
"They are real physical so I think I'll fit in really well with them," Tevi added. "It's going to be really fun."
Return of the Mack
Running back Marlon Mack, who re-signed with the Colts this week, said he had interest from other teams in free agency but was not offered the chance to be a true No. 1 at his position.
"Guys were saying getting a chance to work in the starting position, but none of them was a definite starter," Mack said.
Mack isn't worried about how touches will be divided up in 2020 between him, Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins in a loaded Colts backfield — "I know coach Frank Reich, those guys are going up cook something good for us," he said — but there was more to his decision to return to Indianapolis than just the potential to be a part of a powerful run game.
"It's a family – guys in the locker room, training room and knowing I'm going to get taken care of here," Mack said. "(There's) a big what if not knowing what's out there on other teams. I know the football field, I know the scheme well and know I am going to do my thing once I get on the field and come back."
Wilson, Smith leave Indianapolis
The Colts did see two members of their 2020 roster sign elsewhere this week: Safety Tavon Wilson signed with the San Francisco 49ers, while cornerback Tremon Smith signed with the Houston Texans.
Wilson appeared in 15 games, starting twice, with the Colts in 2020 and totaled 26 tackles, one pass break-up and one fumble recovery. The 31-year-old played 219 snaps on defense (22.6 percent) and 203 special teams snaps (48.7 percent).
Smith returned eight kicks for 180 yards over 10 games last year and primarily played special teams (139 snaps). He played seven snaps on defense.
Tackle Sam Tevi signs with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) during the first half of an preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) blocks during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) in an offensive stance during an NFL regular season football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 in Las Vegas. The Chargers won in overtime, 30-27. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) stands in the huddle during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) blocks during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Las Vegas. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime, 30-27. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, in New Orleans. New Orleans won 30-27 in overtime. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers tackle Sam Tevi (69) blocks Miami Dolphins safety Bobby McCain (28) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Los Angeles Chargers tackle Sam Tevi (69) in action as the Chargers take on the Miami Dolphins during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi sets up to block against the Tennessee Titans during a NFL football game, Sunday Oct. 20, 2019 in Nashville. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) celebrates his touchdown reception with offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) blocks during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers in overtime, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) sets up to block in front of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (98) plays against Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi looks to block in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 31-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) during the first half of an preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Pittsburgh won 24-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi kneels on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi (69) plays against the Detroit Lions in the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Sam Tevi sits on the bench before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
