by Paul Bretl
Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are underway for the Indianapolis Colts. Wednesday marked the second practice, but the first that was open to the media, and with that, we got some important injury updates.
Here is the latest injury news from the media members who were in attendance:
Anthony Richardson
As was anticipated, quarterback Anthony Richardson was a full go. Kevin Bowden said that watching Richardson, you’d have no idea he was returning from injury. The throwing motion looked good, as did his velocity and throwing distance on downfield passes. After practice, Richardson said there are still days where he feels a little achy and others where he feels amazing.
Braden Smith
Braden Smith did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. He spoke with the media a few weeks ago and mentioned having offseason knee surgery on an injury that had lingered throughout last season. Smith didn’t get into specifics of what the surgery was for or when he’d return, but at that time did say he was in “a pretty good spot.”
Ashton Dulin
Also not participating in practice yet was wide receiver Ashton Dulin, who missed all of the 2023 season with an ACL injury. Like Smith, Dulin does not have a timetable for his return but said he was “feeling great” a few weeks back. Dulin has been a core special teams contributor for the Colts and reliable when called upon on offense.
“Dulin was a huge loss,” GM Chris Ballard said. “Just because he gives you so much, not only on special teams, but his ability to play inside and outside. If you have to start him for a stretch, he can do it.”
Dallis Flowers
Flowers was back on the practice field after his 2023 season was limited to just four games when an Achilles injury ended his season prematurely in Week 4. Colts’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said that outside of Kenny Moore in the slot, the other two starting cornerback spots on the boundary are ‘wide open,’ and consistency is going to be key in determining who wins those roles. Flowers is certainly a front-runner to win one of those openings.
“I thought he was really impressive up until that injury,” said defensive coordinator Gus Bradley after the draft. “He did some good things. He’s got that maturity. Very driven. Knows what he wants and is pretty focused on that; you see him in these walkthroughs.”
Jelani Woods
Woods would miss his entire sophomore season working through hamstring injuries. With his size, speed, and ability to line up in multiple spots, Woods can be a matchup problem for opposing defenses and someone who can stretch the field at the tight end position and be a big red zone target. James Boyd of The Athletic, said that Woods had “an impressive day.”
Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman would leave Wednesday’s practice after head coach Shane Steichen said that he “banged knees” with a defender. After practice, Steichen didn’t have a full update but did say that Pittman “should be fine.”
Evan Hull
Hull suffered a season-ending injury during Week 1, but was on the practice field, according to Kevin Bowden. Hull will be competing with Trey Sermon for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor. Hull, a 2023 draft pick, comes to the NFL with ample pass-catching experience.
Daniel Scott
Scott’s rookie season was never able to fully get underway after he suffered an ACL injury in June. Like the cornerback position, the starting free safety role is up for grabs as well, with Scott, Nick Cross, and Rodney Thomas competing for playing time. Scott would intercept Anthony Richardson during Wednesday’s practice. Afterward, Steichen said having him back on the field was “big.”
Other Colts injury updates
Bowden would also report that linebacker Liam Anderson and cornerback Chris Lammons were not participating during Wednesday’s practice. The injuries were not specified.
Originally posted on coltswire.com