The Indianapolis Colts returned to the practice field Wednesday for the fourth of 10 organized team activity sessions as the spring workout program continues to move along.
The Colts are right in the middle of the biggest part of the offseason workouts and only have a few more weeks left until the team breaks for summer ahead of training camp.
Here are five notes from Colts’ OTA practice No. 4on Wednesday:
Andrew Luck still being held out
Until he returns to the field in full, Luck’s health will be the biggest topic of conversation for the Colts. Fortunately, this isn’t a situation like 2018 where every step he takes is going to be put under the microscope.
Instead, Luck is dealing with a calf strain, and the Colts want to make sure he’s 100% ready to return before rushing him out to the field to participate in a pad-less practice during the month of May. It remains to be seen if Luck will return this week, though there are only two more sessions left in Week 2.
There isn’t any concern with a long-term issue for the franchise quarterback, but it is noteworthy that he’s still being held out. We’ll see what the rest of the week holds for the 29-year-old.
Parris Campbell working in with the first team
Arguably the most exciting rookie Colts fans are looking forward to, Campbell is expected to eventually hold a heavy role in the passing game. How quickly that will come to fruition remains to be seen, but it appears he’s been seeing some time with the first-team offense.
The Colts wide receiver corps is one that is expected to be under some heated competition. There are a plethora of bodies fighting for a limited amount of spots on the roster. Campbell is locked into have a spot, but the question will be in what type of role.
The Ohio State speedster fits what the Colts need on offense to a T. The fact that he’s earning some early work with the first team could bode well for his chances to carve out a solid role during the opening weeks of the regular season.
Nyheim Hines continues use out wide
Following his rookie season that included 63 receptions, the sixth-most among running backs in 2018, the Colts are likely to continue to look for ways to get Hines involved as a pass catcher.
One way the Colts did that during the second half of the season was to split Hines out either in the slot or out wide. This got him out of the backfield lining up likely against a linebacker, which gave Indy the advantage. That trend seemed to continue Wednesday.
E.J. Speed, a sixth-round pick, is known for his athleticism and speed in space. For Hines to be able to work linebackers with success can help him carve out that role again in the passing game.
Heated exchanges between Jacoby Brissett, Devin Funchess
It might be the spring, but that doesn’t mean players aren’t out there competing. Both Brissett and Funchess got into some heated exchanges on Wednesday with both sides seemingly making their case.
On a play with some apparent miscommunication, Brissett wasn’t too happy with Funchess and let him know about it. However, Funchess was also the one showing plenty of emotion on the field.
In the heat of spring workouts, the competition and emotion are still running extremely high, especially with the elevated expectations for the team in 2019.
Secondary had a day
The Colts secondary is going to be a unit to watch during the 2019 season as the group hopes to show improvements. They’ve come to OTAs hungry for production, and it showed on Wednesday as several players were seen making plays.
A number of defensive backs had interceptions, including cornerbacks Chris Milton, Nate Hairston and rookie second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin. Quincy Wilson was also seen making a nice play diving for a pass breakup in the end zone.
The Colts secondary has plenty of potential to be an extremely strong unit for years to come and any improvement made this season will help the defense out greatly.
