The Indianapolis Colts returned to the field for the first time Thursday, kicking off the beginning of training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex.
The Colts ran through it all on Thursday. They had individual work, some 7-on-7s and even some 11-on-11s. Some players were limited in how much they could do, but there were plenty of notes to take away from the first practice of training camp.
Here are six notes from Thursday’s practice:
Andrew Luck was limited
After missing the entire team portion of the spring workouts due to a calf injury, Luck returned to the field in a limited fashion—which was expected after Chris Ballard’s press conference on Wednesday.
Luck only took part in the individual work on Thursday while sitting out during the team portion of work. Head coach Frank Reich said following practice that they will continue to increase his workload as the weeks progress. Luck’s next step will be to get in work during 7-on-7s.
Deon Cain flashes in return
One of the most anticipated returns for the Colts this fall has been that of Cain, who missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered during the preseason opener in 2018. He returned to the field for the first time Thursday with a bang.
Cain worked in 11-on-11s as a full participant. That’s an encouraging sign on the first day of training camp. He was seen running routes down the field and over the middle and given his athleticism could be used in several roles along the offense.
There is a chance the Colts keep some precautions with Cain to make sure he’s responding well to the workouts. But nonetheless, it was an encouraging sign.
George Odum recorded the first turnover
The Colts defense will largely be predicated on the pass rush and making plays on the ball. While the pass rush remains to be seen, the turnovers in the secondary will be something to monitor leading into the season.
Odum, who is working in the safety room for a role behind Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers, recorded the first turnover of training camp with an interception of Jacoby Brissett.
Injured Colts return
The aforementioned Cain wasn’t the only Colts player to return to the field after dealing with some injuries during the spring. Along with him and Luck, tight end Jack Doyle and safety Clayton Geathers practiced in full on Thursday.
Doyle took his usual spot as the starting tight end, which included catching a pass over the middle, the first he’s recorded since suffering a kidney injury in Week 12 of the regular season.
Geathers will most certainly have some days off mixed in after missing the spring due to a minor knee operation, but its encouraging for the veteran that he was able to have a full day.
Matthew Adams working on first team D
It will be interesting to see how often the Colts will use the typical 4-3 front with three linebackers—seeing as how their base defense is usually in nickel. But the second-year linebacker in Adams was seen working as the SAM linebacker on the first team defense.
With rookie second-round pick Ben Banogu now a primary defensive end, Adams has the chance to prove he’s a starter in the middle of the defense at the SAM position. He did so Thursday and it should be a situation to monitor throughout training camp.
Mo Alie-Cox, Jalen Collins pick up where they left the spring
A few names that made some noise during the spring workouts included the tight end in Alie-Cox and the cornerback in Collins. Both enter training camp as one of the top players from the spring at their respective positions.
Alie-Cox saw some time with the first-team offense and should continue to do so as long as his route running shows improvements. As run blocking is already a strength, keep an eye out for an increased role for the former VCU basketball standout.
Collins, who is working in the heated cornerback competition, continued to flash talent in the secondary. Fighting for a roster spot, the former second-round pick is starting off training camp on the right foot.
