The Indianapolis Colts kicked off week three of training camp with a padded practice Monday at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
For the first time since returning to training camp, the Colts will have a real (sort of) football game at the end of the week. Although there is no game planning for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, the physicality and intensity are heating up.
We’ve posted a brief summary of news, notes and highlights from Monday’s practice.
Here are seven takeaways from Day 8 of Colts training camp:
1 Presence and injuries
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
KG Shaquille Leonard (rear) and WR Mike Strachan (knee) remained on the PUP list and did not train on Monday. DT Chris Williams (foot/ankle), OT Dennis Kelly (knee), LB Rhyne Forest (undisclosed), WR By Michael Harris (undisclosed), S Armani Watts (undisclosed) S Will Redmond (undisclosed) and RB Ty’Son Williams (undisclosed) did not practice. LO Jason Spriggs (undisclosed) and DT Curtis Brooks (eye) were new additions to the injury report on Monday, missing their first practices of training camp. comics Brandon King (undisclosed) returned to training on Monday.
2 Parris Campbell Dealing With Tight Hamstrings
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Campbell did not practice Monday for the first time since training camp began. He was held back as a precaution due to hamstring strain. It’s hard to gauge how serious the injury is, especially given his history. over the past three seasons.
Hopefully Campbell won’t miss too much time as he solidified himself as No. 2 opposite Michael Pittman Jr. in the first two weeks of camp.
3 Matt Ryan’s Rough First Day
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star
It’s been smooth sailing for the 37-year-old through the first two weeks of training camp, but Monday’s training session is probably one he’d like to get back to. While Ryan also faced more drops from his receiving body, Monday marked the first time the veteran threw an interception in 11v11 drills.
Not only did Ryan do it once, he was intercepted twice during drills. Both interceptions appeared to stem from miscommunication. The first time came on a deep ball to Michael Pittman Jr., which was picked up by undrafted rookie cornerback Dallis Flowers.
The second time came when Ryan targeted Ashton Dulin. It was a knockdown that stemmed from miscommunication on the course, and the throw fell into the hands of safety Julian Blackmon.
Ryan finished the day 11 of 19 passing with a few drops from his receivers.
4 Jonathan Taylor Does Things With Jonathan Taylor
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It wasn’t so bad for the attacking side of the ball. One of the highlights of the day was their star running back making a home visit for a 50-yard run during a four-minute practice situation. Taylor will again be the center point of offense after leading the NFL in rushing yards in 2021.
5 Keke Coutee Sees First Team Reps
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Parris Campbell’s injury allowed Coutee to see more snaps, and he ended up doing it with the first-team attack for much of the day. The former fourth-round pick continued his solid start to camp, which included a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone from Nick Foles. As the competition for the No. 5 wide receiver position intensifies, Coutee is likely in the lead.
6 Julian Blackmon Continues His Exceptional Camp
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Despite tearing his Achilles in the 2021 season, Blackmon has shown no signs of declining due to the injury. He had an exceptional camp and recorded his first interception on Monday. The third-year safety nearly recorded another interception late in the practice. Blackmon is going to play a major role in defending Gus Bradley.
7 Kicker battle heats up
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The battle for the kicker position is well underway and things got a little closer on Monday. As Blankenship has been leading the charge so far, Jake Verity has been gaining ground.
Here’s an update on Monday’s practice battle, according to Horseshoe Huddle’s Jake Arthur.
“We saw the kickers in action on Monday for only the third time in camp. It wasn’t the strongest day for outgoing starter Rodrigo Blankenship, who went 3 of 5 (60.0%) on his field goal attempts, connecting at 29, 32 and 48 yards while missing at 42 and 55 meters. Jake Verity went 4 of 4, dropping 32, 42, 45 and 48 while missing 55.”
Pre-season matches will also go a long way in determining the winner of this battle.
8 What’s next?
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The Colts have Tuesday off and will be back on the field Wednesday noon for another practice.
Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:
Tuesday, August 9: Stopped
Wednesday August 10: Practice, 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 11: Practice, 12:00 p.m.
Friday August 12: Stopped
Saturday August 13: Buffalo Bills preseason game, 4:00 p.m.
Sunday August 14: Stopped
