Colts Training Camp Journal, Day 7: Anthony Richardson Shines
The Indianapolis Colts returned to the practice field on Saturday for training camp practice No. 7 after a day off, and the day's events were moved inside due to potential inclement weather in the area.
It was yet another fully-padded practice for the team, which has become a common occurrence for the team over the last week.
Saturday brought what could be considered the best day of camp for the Colts' star rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson, as well as the debut of second-round pick, cornerback JuJu Brents.
I was in attendance and now provide my notes from the sidelines.
TEAM
— Since the Colts' most recent practice, they signed free agent running back Kenyan Drake and tight ends Michael Jacobson and Nick Eubanks, placed rookie offensive tackle Jake Witt and wide receiver Ethan Fernea on Injured Reserve, and waived running back Toriano Clinton.
— The following players missed practice: defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (foot), cornerback Kenny Moore II (ankle), tight end Jelani Woods (hamstring), tight end Mo Alie-Cox (ankle), running back Zack Moss (arm), strong safety Julian Blackmon (hamstring), defensive end Samson Ebukam (hamstring), offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor (knee), and linebackers Liam Anderson (arm) and Cameron McGrone (undisclosed). Running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (knee) both remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
— Along with Brents, linebacker E.J. Speed (ankle) also returned to practice.
OFFENSE
— After receiving all of the first-team reps over the last two practices, Richardson rotated to the second unit on Saturday, and it was perhaps his best day of camp so far. He went 9-of-11 passing (81.8%) with two touchdowns; one a long catch-and-run to Amari Rodgers and the other from about 15 yards out to Drew Ogletree. In all, Richardson's completions went to Josh Downs (2), Juwann Winfree (2), Kody Case, Rodgers, Breshad Perriman, Ashton Dulin, and Ogletree. While he does still need to speed up his decision-making, his timing and anticipation were much better than earlier in the week.
— Gardner Minshew took all of the first-team reps and also went 9-of-11 passing (81.8%) with completions to Alec Pierce, Downs, Mike Strachan, Isaiah McKenzie, Michael Pittman Jr. (2), Deon Jackson, and Evan Hull.
— The primary theoretical first-unit offensive players were as follows: Gardner Minshew (QB), Deon Jackson (RB), Michael Pittman Jr. (WR), Alec Pierce (WR), Isaiah McKenzie (WR), Kylen Granson (TE), Drew Ogletree (TE), Bernhard Raimann (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (RG), and Braden Smith (RT). Evan Hull (RB), Josh Downs (WR), Ashton Dulin (WR), and Mike Strachan (WR) all got some reps as well.
— The second-unit line featured Arlington Hambright (LT), Carter O'Donnell (LG), Danny Pinter (C), Wesley French (RG), and Blake Freeland (RT). The third group was Matthew Vanderslice (LT), Danny Pinter (LG), Dakoda Shepley (C), Wesley French (RG), and Dan Skipper (RT).
— Rodgers signed with the Colts this week and already had a significant day of practice on Saturday, taking two short passes downfield for touchdowns during 11-on-11s, one from Richardson and the other from Sam Ehlinger.
— It was a decent day for the running backs, as each of Jackson, Hull, and Jake Funk had big runs through wide-open holes. Earlier in the week, Nelson said he can judge the offensive line's effectiveness based on the movement they're getting in the run game, so this must've been a good day.
DEFENSE
— The primary theoretical first-unit defensive players were as follows: Dayo Odeyingbo (DE), McTelvin Agim (DT), Grover Stewart (DT), Kwity Paye (DE), Zaire Franklin (LB), Shaquille Leonard (LB), E.J. Speed (LB), Tony Brown (NCB), Dallis Flowers (CB), Darrell Baker Jr. (CB), Rodney Thomas II (FS), and Nick Cross (SS).
— For the first time in camp, Leonard participated in 11-on-11s during a fully-padded practice. He commented after practice that they are bringing him along gradually before he is a regular, full-time participant. However, this level of participation was one of the next steps before he returns to a normal level of involvement.
— After missing all of the offseason recovering from a wrist injury, Brents began training camp with a hamstring injury that has kept him out until Saturday. He was involved with positional drills as well as a handful of snaps during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11s.
— It was another solid day for Cross, who had a would-be sack against Minshew, a big hit on the sideline against Downs, and a pass breakup against Granson. He's made the most of his opportunity in the starting lineup with Blackmon nursing his injury.
— An unheralded player who is stacking big days is Segun Olubi, who made a couple of thunderous hits on Saturday against Hull.
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