INDIANAPOLIS COLTS TRAINING CAMP ONE-LINERS Posted by Mike Florio on July 26, 2008, 5:20 p.m. QB Jim Sorgi was eight-for-eight in seven-on-seven drills on Friday. QB Quinn Gray and QB Jared Lorenzen are officially in the fold and practicing with the team; said Gray, “I’m here to pick up the offense and once I learn it, we’ll see what happens.” With Gray and Lorzenzen on the roster, QB Josh Betts got das boot. Though DT Quinn Pitcock was excused for personal reasons, a tipster tells us that Pitcock has no desire to play, and that he was on his way to camp on Thursday and turned his car around. The first practice drew 927 fans, 800 fewer than last year’s opening practice of training camp. Coach Tony Dungy gauged the health of WR Marvin Harrison by looking at him. “For me, I try to read his face,” Dungy said. “When he’s smiling and doesn’t have that worried look, then I think things are pretty much normal.” S Melvin Bullitt sprained a thumb and LB Philip Wheeler injured his knee during Saturday morning’s practice. Six players remain on the PUP list, including five starters. Permalink | 1 Comment Back to Top http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/26/...amp-one-liners/
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>INDIANAPOLIS COLTS TRAINING CAMP ONE-LINERS Posted by Mike Florio on August 1, 2008, 9:20 p.m. EDT LB Gary Brackett will miss the HOF game, along with pretty much every defensive player on the roster. Due to a dearth of linebackers, the team might bring back LB Rob Morris. The Colts have added LB Brandon Archer and cut WR Charles Dillon. The first-team offense is expected to play a bit longer than the first-team defense. Coach Tony Dungy won’t comment on any potential interest in S John Lynch while Lynch is still on the Broncos’ roster. The team wants to reduce the preseason load on Adam Vinatieri, but injuries at other positions might not allow them to spare a roster spot for a worthless player kicker. LT Tony Ugoh, thrust into the starting lineup last season as a rookie, is progressing nicely. Eleven Colts weigh more than 300 pounds. WR Marvin Harrison torched CB Kelvin Hayden with a double move on Wednesday night. The Colts are hoping DT Quinn Pitcock pulls a Brett Favre; if he doesn’t the Colts will likely try to recoup $291,000 in signing bonus money. John Madden was nearly reduced to tears when he visited Colts camp and Peyton Manning wasn’t there. DT Darrell Reid is playing fullback in goal-line situations. The Colts expect more big things from RB Joseph Addai.</div> Source
More Training Camp News and arbitrary notes: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Notes, Quotes Marvin Harrison’s first 2008 preseason appearance is on hold for a couple of weeks. Harrison, who is recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2007 season, was one of 13 Indianapolis players that didn’t suit up for the Hall of Fame game with the Washington Redskins. The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who was one of nine players who also didn’t travel to Canton, most likely won’t play at Carolina this week either. “It’s more a doctor’s schedule (as to when Harrison will play). He’s right on schedule in terms of practicing and running. And when we want the live work (in a game), whether it will be (preseason) week three or week four, we’ll see,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said recently. “But he’ll get his share in before, but it won’t be these next two weeks.” Dungy added that there haven’t been any setbacks with Harrison’s rehabilitation and that nothing has happened during any of the training camp practices. “(There’s) no issues. That’s just the schedule they’ve (team doctors) got him on,” he said. • LB Freddy Keiaho likes to hit. Unfortunately for Keiaho, Colts coach Tony Dungy limits contact in practice. Indianapolis often practices in pads and shorts. Keiaho, though, doesn’t think that the lack of live work limits what defenders can do. “You trust the coaches,” he said. “We’ve been playing football a long time and a lot of this is just muscle-memory, just getting back in the feel of it. You only need a day or two to feel your pads on. I feel pretty comfortable in my pads right now.” • John Madden recently visited the Colts training camp site. Madden, though, said it felt a little strange not seeing QB Peyton Manning out there. “Without Peyton, it’s a totally different thing. When he was out there and practicing, he just ran everything,” the NBC game analyst said. “Boy, you see more balls hit the ground now. (Manning’s) so great you take him for granted. And not only in games, but in practice. It’s the pace … boom, boom, boom.” • Current Colts RB Joseph Addai and former Indianapolis RB Edgerrin James have formed a bond of sorts since Addai first came into the league three years ago. They often correspond via emails and phone calls. James has taken on the role of being a mentor for the former LSU runner. “I always tell him to take good care of his body and continue to work on the little things,” James said. “Everything else is usually about life.” Addai has also taken notice of Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor. The two got to be friends at the Pro Bowl this past February. “Just being around him and see how he does things, that helps a young person,” he said. “Every young person wants to follow somebody that’s been doing it for a long time.” • DT Darrell Reid has moved into that Dan Klecko role with the Colts. He’ll be a backup defensive lineman. He’ll be one of the team’s special team leaders. And he will be used as a fullback in short-yardage and goal-line situations. “Right now if they need me at fullback, I’m willing to do it,” Reid said. “As long as I’m helping the team, I don’t mind doing anything.” “I love special teams. They give me a chance to run wide-open, enjoy a little bit of freedom.” • The RCA Dome’s fabric roof will be deflated before the old stadium is demolished—and will then be cut into pieces and sold as memorabilia. The price of an 8.5-by-4 inch swatch will be $60. Demolition workers will deflate the fabric roof in September by simply turning off 16 fans that supply the dome with air pressure, causing the ceiling to collapse within 30 minutes. Lights, furniture, concession stand equipment and kitchen supplies will be saved for future possible use. Officials say a total of about 80 percent of the dome will be recycled in one way or another before it is demolished in December. Quote To Note: “We have talked to Rob and had some conversations. I don’t know exactly where it is to be honest. I know (team president) Bill’s (Polian) had some conversations with him. He is (healthy). I think he’s going through did he want to play or not. He’s a name to keep in the back of your mind, I would say that.”—Colts coach Tony Dungy, on the possibility of the team bringing back former Indianapolis LB Rob Morris. Morris was released by the team in February. Strategy And Personnel With all the injuries at the linebacking position, getting Brandon Archer back on the roster was major news for the Colts. Archer, who had been on Denver’s roster this spring, was signed late last week. “He brings a lot right now. He’s probably our most valuable player on the team right now,” Dungy said. “But he got back (to practice with the Colts), didn’t make very mistakes. (Archer) really has an idea of what we’re doing. With Philip Wheeler and Gary Brackett both being out, he’ll be the second middle linebacker to go. He did a great job for us last year when he played. And we expect the same thing.” A standout at Kansas State, Archer was originally signed by Indianapolis in 2007 as an undrafted free agent. • Rookie WR Charles Dillon was released due to the Colts’ depth problems at linebacker. The team signed Brandon Archer to the squad. Dillon, though, may be brought back later. • OG Tala Esera found himself in the same boat as WR Charles Dillon, who was released. The Colts wanted to bring in a placekicker to help ease the load of veteran Adam Vinatieri during the preseason. Esera may also be back. • Indianapolis signed former University of Missouri K/P Adam Crossett. Crossett had been on the Colts roster prior to the start of training camp but had been released. • Despite the apparent retirement of DT Quinn Pitcock, the Colts intend to stand pat with who they have on the roster right now. Undrafted rookie free agent DT Eric Foster could be the biggest beneficiary of Pitcock’s decision to hang up his cleats. Indianapolis hit paydirt last year with another undrafted free agent defensive tackle, Ed Johnson. • WR Courtney Roby is back playing for his hometown team, but the question is whether he will be the Colts’ fourth or fifth receiver or a kick return specialist. Roby, a former Tennessee Titans draft pick, has looked good in both roles so far in training camp. Battle Of The Week: Gijon Robinson vs. Jacob Tamme for backup TE—Robinson was an undrafted free-agent signee by the Colts in 2007 and spent most of his rookie season battling injuries before ending up on the team’s practice squad. Tamme was a fourth-round draft pick this year. Robinson is more of an H-Back/tight end while Tamme tends to be in the Bryan Fletcher mold, a good downfield receiver who is not quite as adept as a blocker. Other Battle Fronts: Charlie Johnson and rookie Mike Pollak continue to contend for a starting job at right offensive guard. Johnson and Pollak have split duty during the first week or so of training camp. … Who is going to play strongside linebacker when the regular-season starts? That’s a good question. With projected starter Tyjuan Hagler sidelined for the first several weeks of the season, a pair of second-year LBs—Clint Session and Ramon Guzman—are in the mix. Guzman got the start against Washington in the Hall of Fame Game due to a calf injury that sidelined Session. … Prior to suffering a sprained thumb in practice, Melvin Bullitt has been pushing Matt Giordano for playing time as the primary backup to starter Bob Sanders at strong safety. Bullitt, a former undrafted free agent from Texas A&M, started to come on late last season. Player Of The Week: QB Jim Sorgi—Sorgi has certainly taken his share of slings and arrows from Colts fans who don’t think he is a good enough backup for starter Peyton Manning. But Sorgi has done a nice job working with the first-team offense in practice during the first week of training camp. He’s not Manning, but then who is? ROOKIE REPORT: OG Mike Pollak (second round) continues to hold his own with veteran Charlie Johnson as they battle for the starting right offensive guard job. He has done a nice job so far. … LB Philip Wheeler (third round) has a sore knee problem that is a carryover from his college days and will force Wheeler to undergo surgery. He has been serving as a backup to starter Gary Brackett at middle linebacker. Wheeler could miss a couple of weeks after the surgery. … TE Jacob Tamme (fourth round) has proven to be a tough kid who is improving in all areas of his game. He continued practicing recently after getting his arm stuck between two defenders. He promptly got up and returned to the huddle without a complaint. … DE Marcus Howard (fifth round) figures to be a key backup to starters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. With the move of DE/DT Raheem Brock for more work at end, Howard will be in the mix as a pass-rush specialist. … TE Tom Santi (sixth round) has yet to practice and has been placed on the team’s physically-unable-to-perform list. He had surgery before training camp due to an infected bursa sac in his knee. He was forced to return early from the NFL’s rookie symposium in San Diego in order to receive treatment for the knee. … C Steve Justice (sixth round) is the No. 1 backup to starter Jeff Saturday. A hard worker who never complains and has done a good job of picking up the team’s blocking schemes. … RB Mike Hart (sixth round) is a good runner, but his pass-catching skills and his pass blocking have been up to par as well so far. He’s holding his own against the likes of Kenton Keith, Clifton Dawson and Chad Simpson as the Colts’ No. 3 running back. … WR Pierre Garcon (sixth round) is getting a long look as both a receiver and as a kick returner. He is definitely more than just a track guy playing football as he has displayed good hands as a receiver and plenty of smarts on the practice field. … OG/C Jamey Richard (seventh round) has a good chance to make the Colts’ regular-season roster. He has worked both at offensive guard and at center. That versatility should serve him very well, especially playing for an offensive line coach like Howard Mudd. Injury Report: Second-year CB Michael Coe suffered a knee injury practice late in the week while rookie LB Philip Wheeler continues to have problems with a sore knee. Colts coach Tony Dungy said that Wheeler is scheduled to undergo minor surgery and could be out for at least two weeks. Coe, meanwhile, may require surgery fairly soon that could sideline him for awhile. “Philip is going to have a surgery. Minor we hope. It’s always minor when it’s not on you. But probably a couple of weeks for him,” Dungy said. “Michael may or may not. They’re accessing his knee. Our hope is that he doesn’t have to have surgery but it looks like it’s a possibility right now. One of the things we’re going to discuss anyway.” If surgery is deemed necessary for the former Alabama State defensive back, the recovery time could be extensive. He missed playing time during training camp and the early portion of the 2007 season due to an ankle injury. “It’s going to be awhile. It’s not going to be anything where he’ll be back in the next couple of weeks,” the Colts coach said. In addition to Coe and Wheeler, the team’s injury list includes DE Dwight Freeney (foot), SLB Tyjuan Hagler (chest, pectoral muscle), OG Ryan Lilja (knee), QB Peyton Manning (knee), S Bob Sanders (shoulder), rookie TE Tom Santi (knee), MLB Gary Brackett (groin), S Melvin Bullitt (thumb), WR Marvin Harrison (knee), DE Ben Ishola (ankle) and SLB Clint Session (calf). Freeney, Hagler, Lilja, Manning, Sanders, Santi, Coe, Harrison and Wheeler did not make the trip to Canton, Ohio, with the rest of the team per doctor’s orders. “Marvin (did not travel). What we kinda did with our medical people is people that they felt it would be beneficial to stay back and rehab, they’re not going,” Dungy said. “A lot of guys lobbied to go. But we’ve got about five or six that aren’t going. And then guys who are going but aren’t going to play.” LB Gary Brackett and LB Clint Session might be back on the practice field soon. At least that’s the hope of the Colts’ coaching staff. “We’re hopeful of that (getting him back this week). We’re hopeful, with (Session) and Gary (Brackett) maybe by the end of next week,” Dungy said. Five of the six players on the team’s physically-unable-to-perform list—Freeney, Lilja, Manning, Sanders, Santi—are slated to return to active duty around Aug. 15. “The target date for all those guys is the 15th, other than Tyjuan (Hagler). So maybe a little bit before the 15th, a little bit after,” he added.</div> Source
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>TERRE HAUTE, Ind. Preparation for Saturday night's preseason game at Carolina was foremost in the minds of the Indianapolis Colts as they went through a two-hour workout this morning at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. It marked the first full session following Sunday night's preseason-opening loss to the Washington Redskins in the Hall of Fame Game. The team is back on the practice fields this afternoon at 3:30. It's nice to get back in the swing of things and get back into some regular practice,coach Tony Dungy said. It?€™s going to be a short week for us, but I think it's going to be good from our players' standpoint to keep things moving and get ready for Carolina. Roster Move The team signed linebacker Dedrick Harrington and waived kicker Adam Crossett. Harrington is a 6-3, 248-pounder out of Missouri who spent a brief time on the Colts practice squad last season. His addition was necessitated as injuries have depleted the linebacker corps. Missing this morning's practice were Gary Brackett (hip), Clint Session (calf), Philip Wheeler (knee), Victor Worsley (hamstring) and Brandon Archer (ankle). Tyjuan Hagler (chest) is on the physically unable to perform list.</div> Source <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>BY THE NUMBERS 3 The Colts have three players from Indiana schools on their roster: punter Hunter Smith (Notre Dame), defensive end Ben Ishola (Indiana) and wide receiver Courtney Roby (Indiana). QUOTE OF THE DAY "It's going to be a little bit of a short week for us, playing Saturday after a Sunday game, but I think we've got a lot of things to build on and I'm looking forward to using this week to try to improve.'' -- Colts coach Tony Dungy as the team returned to practice Tuesday in preparation for Saturday night's game at Carolina. GETTING TO KNOW: Devin Aromashodu Position: Wide receiver. Jersey No.: 80. Height, weight: 6-2, 200. Age: 24. Hometown: Born and lives in Miami. College: Auburn. Pro tenure: Third year with Colts, originally seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. He caught seven passes for 96 yards last season. Miami, the land of great football players, huh? "That's what they say. I'm trying to keep the tradition going, do my best and work hard." Most memorable moment last year? "I had a couple. My first (NFL) catch against the Baltimore Ravens. I ran a hook route and (Jim) Sorgi hit me. And then my actual first game playing in was at Atlanta. I was happy about that." Hobbies? "Sports video games. I play Xbox a lot. I'm very good at Madden. I'm online and ranked in the world." Taken on Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne yet? "Reggie probably got a little older. He doesn't play it anymore. I don't think any of the older guys play anymore." What are you like? "I'm fairly quiet until I get to know people. I like to have fun and joke around." How many people pronounce your name correctly the first time? "Not many. But if you look at it and sound it out, it's really not that hard. (Sounds it out) A-roam-a-sha-du." Where's it from? "My dad is Nigerian." Favorite food? "I like steak, medium or medium well." Favorite star? "Peyton Manning. You can put that in there." -- Phillip B. Wilson</div> Source
More News: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Mexico, Mo. - Former Mexico High School two-way football star and University of Missouri standout linebacker Dedrick Harrington hopes to come to the rescue of the Indianapolis Colts. With up to five linebackers unavailable this week, the Colts have signed Harrington, who had been released late last month from the St. Louis Rams training camp. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Harrington spent time on the Colts?€™ practice squad last season and also has worked out with Dallas in hopes of continuing his gridiron career at the professional level. After losing to Washington in Sunday?€™s Hall of Fame Game, the Colts had Monday off and a relatively light day Tuesday before going through a pair of full-team practices Wednesday. The Colts were to practice twice today, then once Friday morning before traveling to Carolina to play the Panthers on Saturday night.</div> Source <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Colts CB Coe undergoes knee surgery, out two months By PFW staff Aug. 7, 2008 Colts CB Michael Coe should be out approximately two months after undergoing surgery on his left knee Wednesday. “The surgery went well,” coach Tony Dungy told the Indianapolis Star. “We’re looking at probably eight weeks from now before he’s ready to get back going.” A second-year pro out of Alabama State, Coe recorded 10 tackles in his rookie season. He was expected to add depth to the Colts’ secondary, most likely seeing time in a reserve role or in the nickel and dime packages. Coe, who injured the knee in practice last week, is the latest casualty to a Colts defense already operating without starters DE Dwight Freeney, S Bob Sanders, DE Robert Mathis, MLB Gary Brackett and SLB Tyjuan Hagler. All except Hagler and Coe are expected back for the regular season, although it’s no certainty Coe will make the final 53-man roster.</div> Source
Marvin Harrison is allowed to play tomorrow: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison and linebacker Gary Brackett have been cleared to play in Saturday night’s pre-season game at Carolina, coach Tony Dungy said after this morning’s hour workout at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Just last night, Dungy had said Harrison, recovering from off-season knee surgery, wouldn’t make his 2008 pre-season debut until next week at the earliest, but the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver participated in two practices in a day for the first time Thursday and came away wanting to play. Advertisement “He actually wanted to work those two practices, made it through OK, felt good, wants to get a little bit in,” Dungy said. Brackett, the defensive captain, returned to practice Thursday after being held out of last Sunday’s pre-season opener with a groin injury. “They’re cleared to play so we’ll see,” Dungy said. “They’ll probably go with that first group.” Considering the Colts are cautious in bringing guys back from injury, Dungy was asked if Harrison would be on a play count. “Everybody is, so he should be able to play with the first group,” Dungy said. Harrison, 35, missed 11 games last season with a knee injury and could not complete a full playoff game in the loss to San Diego. It was his fewest games played in a season in his 12-year career. Also ruled out The list of 16 players who won’t play included the usual six on the physically unable to perform list – quarterback Peyton Manning (knee), defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot), safety Bob Sanders (shoulder), linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (chest), knee Ryan Lilja (knee) and tight end Tom Santi (knee). Also on the list are defensive back Melvin Bullitt (thumb), defensive end Jeff Charleston (groin), defensive back Michael Coe (knee), wide receiver Pierre Garcon (hip), wide receiver Roy Hall (hamstring), defensive end Curtis Johnson (quad), linebacker Clint Session (calf), linebacker Philip Wheeler (knee) and linebacker Victor Worsley (hamstring).</div> Source
Important training camp, and contemplative questions asked to an IndyStar Colts insider: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Ask the experts QUESTION: This question hopefully is a long way off, but will Peyton Manning and the Colts discuss the transition process in advance so Colts/Manning fans don't have to go through what Green Bay fans are dealing with now? I would love to see Manning end his career as a Colt, but understand that teams move on before players are ready. -- from Paul, Columbus, OH ANSWER: You're right. This speculation probably is a long way off. I believe Manning will play another five or six years. I mentioned to owner Jim Irsay the other day that I hoped when Manning decides to retire, he really decides to retire so we don't go through what Green Bay went through. He said he and Manning have talked about the Packers/Favre situation. I believe Manning will know when it's time. I don't see him waffling. But having said that, there's really no way to prepare for a possible scenario of an elite player retiring, then changing his mind. QUESTION: Should Colts fans be concerned about the rehabilitation of Peyton Manning? And if so, do you think Jim Sorgi can do the job? -- from Ellis M. Walker Sr., Edgewood, MD ANSWER: I'm not overly concerned, and won't be as long as Manning is able to get a couple of weeks of practice in before the Sept. 7 regular-season opener. That should give him and the No. 1 offense enough time to regain their timing. Now, if you ask the same question Aug. 31 and Manning still isn't on the practice field, then I'll be worried. As for Sorgi, the Colts are confident he can handle things. I'm confident he can handle things in the short term. I thought he played pretty well in the preseason opener against the Redskins when he had the benefit of the front-line players. I've always felt sorry for Sorgi in previous preseasons when he was out there with a lot of guys who simply were not going to make the roster. He got roughed up quite a bit. QUESTION: I realize that it is still very early in the preseason, but how do you see the tight end position shaping up right now, specifically the blocking role or replacing Ben Utecht? -- from Gary, Arlington, TX ANSWER: There's a lot of youth behind Dallas Clark. The guy to keep an eye on is Gijon Robinson, who spent the 2007 season on the Colts' practice squad. He's working with Clark in the starting lineup in the two-tight end set. Robinson is a pretty good blocker, but has shown good receiving skills as well. Jacob Tamme has played well in practice. To me, he's closer to a Clark-clone than a blocking tight end. The jury still is out on Tom Santi. He had surgery on his left knee to remove an infected bursa sac and has not been cleared for practice. QUESTION: T.J. Rushing has been lackluster as the Colts' kick returner. Pierre Garcon looked good in that role in the Hall of Fame Game. Do you have a sense on whether Rushing will be the guy again this year, or might the Colts try to switch it up? -- from Adam, Indianapolis ANSWER: Too soon to tell. I thought Rushing was OK as a return guy last year. Not great by any means, but adequate. He had the one big return, a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oakland. And I thought Rushing did a pretty good job against the Redskins. He had a 67-yard touchdown on a punt return nullified by a holding penalty. But it's possible one of the new guys will beat him out. Maybe Garcon, Courtney Roby or Devin Aromashodu. The return game seems to be the one area that is decided last during the preseason.</div> Source
I was most impressed with Pollak during the HOF game. I had wondered where Tamme ended up. It looks likes is he's a great system & should do well as the Colts let Utecht sign w/ Cincy. My only concern w/ the Colts is if Peyton goes down during the season they are up sh** creek.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Thoth @ Aug 10 2008, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I was most impressed with Pollak during the HOF game. I had wondered where Tamme ended up. It looks likes is he's a great system & should do well as the Colts let Utecht sign w/ Cincy. My only concern w/ the Colts is if Peyton goes down during the season they are up sh** creek.</div> Oh definitely... Here is an update on the back-up QB battle. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Finally, the incomprehensible is beginning to make sense. Finally, the Xs and Os of the Indianapolis Colts offense, along with all the complex variables, are coming into focus for veteran quarterback Quinn Gray. Advertisement "It's always a learning process," Gray said as he prepared for tonight's preseason game at Carolina. "It's working out now where I'm a little more comfortable being in (meetings) as opposed to when I first got here and my mind was racing a thousand miles an hour. "It was like looking down at Chinese arithmetic. Now, I can look at a script and know where everybody's going to be. Now, it's coming along real well." Jim Sorgi is expected to make his second straight start in the absence of Peyton Manning, who's still on the mend from surgery on his left knee. Gray was first off the bench in place of Sorgi in the preseason opener against the Washington Redskins, but likely will follow Jared Lorenzen tonight in the QB rotation. Since the Colts signed Gray and Lorenzen to one-year contracts just before the start of training camp, speculation has centered on the motivation. Was it simply to add a pair of veteran arms for camp or to have one of them supplant Sorgi, who has served as Manning's backup since 2004? A more likely scenario is to have an insurance policy in place, just in case. The team insists Manning's rehab process is on track, that he could be cleared to practice by the middle of the month and will be ready for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears. He has joined positional meetings during camp at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and spends time breaking down practice video when he isn't working with trainers. But if there is a hiccup in Manning's recovery or a concern that he might not be 100 percent when the regular season opens, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have either Gray or Lorenzen around. The last time the Colts carried a third QB for the bulk of a season was in 2000 (Manning, Kelly Holcomb and Billy Joe Hobert). Coach Tony Dungy seemed to indicate it would take something unexpected to rattle the status quo at quarterback. "Really, we kind of like our situation,'' he said of a Manning-Sorgi tandem. "If Peyton comes back the way we think he can, we think we're in good shape. It will be tough to unseat those guys." Gray brings a little bit of everything to the mix. He's got size (6-3, 254), a strong arm, mobility and experience. He appeared in 11 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, winning half of his four career starts. In last Sunday's preseason opener, he completed 10-of-19 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. Gray insisted he isn't preoccupied with where he currently fits in the QB equation. What's important is whether he fits when rosters are trimmed to 53 on Aug. 30. "I'm here to compete to be on this team," he said. "I don't know if it's to compete for No. 2. I don't know if it's to compete for No. 3. You always want to make it hard for the coaches to let you go. Once you have them thinking once or twice or three times about letting you go, then you've done your job."</div> Source
I've never been a fan of Lorenzen but was impressed w/ Quinn Gray. Someone said he was let go by the Texans as he couldn't pick up their simple system, Houston, I thought, ran a WCO which is complex regardless of who runs it or how dumbed down it is. If Peyton went down, Sorgi's okay for a game or two but thats it IMO.
Well, both Gray and Sorgi were unimpressive today. And fatboy threw 2 TDs. Meh. Peyton better not be hurt.
Quick update on Peyton, nice news too! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>QB Peyton Manning has begun the rehabilitation process after having his left knee immobilized for an extended time following July 14 surgery to remove an infected bursa sac. Along with getting the swelling under control, physicians aggressively fought any lingering infection with antibiotics. Bill Polian said an infectious disease doctor "has signed off" on any infection. "That's been eliminated. Now you're on to the rehab process,'' he said. Initially, that involves Manning regaining his range of motion with the knee. Then comes strengthening the entire leg.</div> Source
General Training Camp notes, etc.: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Colts Team Report Yahoo! Sports 13 hours, 53 minutes ago Injury Report: WR Marvin Harrison (knee) saw his first preseason action against Carolina and appeared to have come through the experience unscathed. The start against the Panthers came as somewhat of a surprise. He was not initially scheduled to play in a preseason game for another week or so. Harrison was on the field for 15 plays and came away with three receptions for 22 yards. “It’s like riding a bike for him,” TE Dallas Clark said. “He’s been around here. He knows what to do. He looked good. It’s definitely positive seeing him out there.” LB Gary Brackett (hip/groin) also played at Carolina. Brackett had been sidelined for a week and wasn’t expected to play in a preseason game until the Aug. 16 game at Atlanta. • The Colts expect five of the team’s six players on their physically-unable-to-perform list to begin practicing sometime around Aug. 15. Team president Bill Polian says that everything looks good for the return of QB Peyton Manning (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (foot), S Bob Sanders (shoulder), G Ryan Lilja (knee) and rookie TE Tom Santi (knee). “No setbacks that I know of,” Polian said recently. Manning has begun the rehabilitation process after having his left knee immobilized for an extended time following July 14 surgery to remove an infected bursa sac. Along with getting the swelling under control, physicians aggressively fought any lingering infection with antibiotics. Polian said an infectious disease doctor “has signed off” on any infection. “That’s been eliminated. Now you’re on to the rehab process,” he said. Initially, that involves Manning regaining his range of motion with the knee. Then comes strengthening the entire leg. Once those issues are resolved, Manning likely will be cleared to practice. Polian also said that Freeney and Sanders are right on schedule for their return as well. Freeney has been working out with a team physical therapist while Sanders is chomping at the bit to get back on the practice field. “Bob’s fine,” Polian said. “He’s right on schedule, maybe a little ahead of schedule.” • LB Tyjuan Hagler isn’t expected to be back to practice until sometime in late September or early October. Hagler has been sidelined since he suffered a torn pectoral muscle while lifting weights a couple of weeks prior to the start of training camp. • Second-year CB Michael Coe has undergone surgery on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months. “His surgery went well. It’s going to be a long rehab, at least a couple of months,” Tony Dungy said. “We are looking at probably eight weeks from now before he’s ready to get back going.” Depending on what happens with the Colts’ roster prior to the start of the regular season, Coe may end up on the team’s injured reserve list. “We will have to look at that when we come down (to the end of training camp). We won’t have to make any decisions now,” the Indianapolis coach said. “When we cut down to 53 (players), we will have to see where we are and how we are health-wise. It would be nice to be able to keep him (on the active roster). We will see what happens.” • LB Philip Wheeler underwent knee surgery recently and will miss two to three weeks. He might be available for the Atlanta preseason game on Aug. 16. • S Melvin Bullitt (thumb) returned to practice but did not play at Carolina. Bullitt was injured during a practice prior to the Washington preseason game. • LB Clint Session (calf) has seen limited work in practice but did not play at Carolina. Session may be allowed to return to a full-practice regimen this week. • -Also sitting out the Carolina game were DE Jeff Charleston (groin), rookie WR Pierre Garcon (hip), WR Roy Hall (hamstring), rookie DE Curtis Johnson (quad) and LB Victor Worsley (hamstring).</div> Source
Dawson is back, Keith on his way out? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Colts re-sign RB Dawson, Keith hurt By Mike Chappell Posted: August 12, 2008 TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – One running back returned but another was missing as the Indianapolis Colts went through a full-pads practice this morning at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Clifton Dawson re-signed with the team and was back on the field. He was waived before Saturday night’s preseason game at Carolina to make room on the 80-man roster for kicker Adam Crossett. Missing was Kenton Keith. The second-year back is dealing with a sore hip. The team hopes he can return for this afternoon’s 3:30 practice.</div> Source
Colts lose Coe (meh whatever; no offense ), and other bits of news: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Colts lose Coe for season By MICHAEL MAROT | Wednesday, August 13, 2008 TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Colts defensive back Michael Coe will be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee last week. Coach Tony Dungy had said Coe was likely to miss at least eight weeks and Indianapolis hoped to wait until the two roster cutdowns before making a decision. The plan changed Tuesday when Dungy announced the Colts couldn't wait for Coe to return because they needed a roster spot. "We wanted to hold off as long as we could, but realistically he would be out two months, so we would have had to carry 52 instead of 53 for that time," Dungy said. "It's tough because he did a great job rehabbing his shoulder, and then he had a freak injury that ruined his season." The problem for the Colts is that they've been ravaged by injuries, including a handful to prominent players. Five starters _ two-time MVP Peyton Manning, 2007 defensive player of the year Bob Sanders, former league sacks champion Dwight Freeney, left guard Ryan Lilja and outside linebacker Tyjuan Hagler _ still have not practiced after being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Manning hasn't even been on the practice field since having surgery July 14 to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee. All except Hagler are expected to be healthy by Indy's Sept. 7 season opener against Chicago. Hagler is expected to be out until October after tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting weights this summer. Rookie tight end Tom Santi, a sixth-round pick, is also on the PUP list after having an infected bursa sac removed from his knee. Dungy said Santi may start practicing next week. That's just the start. The rash of injuries has hit the linebackers hard. Defensive captain Gary Brackett and Clint Session, Hagler's backup, both missed practice time last week although they returned before Indy's preseason game at Carolina. Session did not play in that game. Another linebacker, third-round pick Philip Wheeler, had knee surgery last week and is expected to miss a couple of weeks. Also out is backup Victor Worsley (hamstring), and the recently signed Dedrick Harrington was waived-injured Tuesday. Last week, the Colts put another recently signed linebacker, Brandon Archer, on the waived-injured list. "Philip's doing fine, he's off the crutches and starting the rehab process," Dungy said. "We're thinking he'll be back maybe Buffalo week or if not then Cincinnati week." Indy plays at Atlanta on Saturday, then hosts Buffalo on Aug. 24 _ the first NFL game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium. As expected, the Colts added another linebacker Tuesday night by claiming Marcus Richardson off waivers from Houston. Richardson is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound undrafted rookie from Troy State. Indy filled Harrington's roster spot by re-signing running back Clifton Dawson, who was released Saturday to make room for kicker Adam Crossett. Running back Kenton Keith missed both of Tuesday's workouts after hurting his hip during Monday's special teams practice. Dungy hopes to have Keith back on the field Wednesday. A service of the Associated Press(AP)</div> Source
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Another Colts starter goes down with injury 2 hours, 25 minutes ago TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP)—Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden bruised his right heel during Thursday afternoon’s practice, the latest starter to join Indianapolis’ growing injury list. Hayden started all 16 games last season, producing career highs in tackles (117), interceptions (three) and forced fumbles (two) and passes defended (12). He was hurt late in the afternoon session and was taken into the locker room with his right foot wrapped in ice. “I don’t think it’s too serious,” coach Tony Dungy said. “He was a lot better at the end of practice.” Also added to the injury list: starting right tackle Ryan Diem. Diem did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and Dungy said it was unlikely Diem would play in Saturday’s preseason game at Atlanta because of an injured shoulder. The Colts have had injuries to several prominent players. Five starters—two-time league MVP Peyton Manning, 2007 defensive player of the year Bob Sanders, former league sacks champ Dwight Freeney, outside linebacker Tyjuan Hagler and left guard Ryan Lilja—still have not practiced after being placed on the physically unable to perform list when training camp opened. Rookie linebacker Philip Wheeler, a third-round pick, was on the sideline Thursday but has not practiced since having knee surgery last week. Second-year defensive back Michael Coe will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Punter Hunter Smith likely is out for Saturday after hurting his hamstring, and left tackle Tony Ugoh practiced Thursday after missing Wednesday’s morning session with a knee injury. Linebackers Gary Brackett, the defensive captain, and Clint Session, Hagler’s replacement, both missed time last week with injuries but have since returned. The Colts have one more practice Friday at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology before returning home.</div> Source
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><u>6 Colts starters being held out of game vs Falcons By MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer 6 hours, 26 minutes ago </u> TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP)—Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney will miss their third straight preseason game for the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. A dozen players, including six starters, will sit out the game against Atlanta, the Colts said Friday after completing their final practice in the morning at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. The announcement was no surprise since Manning, Sanders and Freeney have yet to practice, and Manning still has not been on the practice field as he recovers from knee surgery last month. Coach Tony Dungy said Manning has started lifting weights and throwing. The other starters on the team’s injury list are linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, right guard Ryan Lilja and right tackle Ryan Diem. Manning, Sanders, Freeney, Hagler and Lilja are still on the physically unable to perform list. Diem injured his shoulder during practice this week. The Colts had set Friday as the target date for the return of Sanders and Freeney to the field, but Dungy decided to hold them out until the team begins sessions at its Indianapolis complex next week. “I think they’re pretty close to being ready to go,” Dungy said. “We toyed with the idea of getting them out there a little bit here, but decided to wait. I think we’ll get some of the guys back next week.” Also sitting out Saturday will be rookie linebacker Philip Wheeler, a third-round pick who recently had knee surgery, and rookie tight end Tom Santi, a sixth-round pick who had surgery to remove an infected bursa sac in his knee in June and has been on the PUP list since July 24. Manning had the same surgery as Santi on July 14, and the Colts have been watching Santi’s progress to establish a better timetable for Manning’s expected return. Santi started running this week, and Dungy believes he could begin practicing next week. The Colts figure he is two weeks ahead of Manning, but Santi has declined to answer questions about his rehab process. Defensive back Melvin Bullitt (thumb), receiver Roy Hall (hamstring), defensive end Josh Thomas (groin) and linebacker Victor Worsley (hamstring) will not play against Atlanta, either. The Colts did get some good news on the injury front Friday. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden, who bruised his right heel in Thursday afternoon’s workout, is not listed as out. “He’s fine, he should be good to go,” Dungy said.</div> Source
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/COLTSFANFORLIFE88/colts 2008 camp/?albumview=slideshow Some amusing Training camp pictures for one to see.
Peyton conducted a walk-through with the offense today. http://www.colts.com/video/selectme...8-08-20-143057.flv&channel=dungy-daily-wrapup Further, here is another Colts Team report: Source Yahoo! Sports
