Jul 31, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) runs with the ball after making a catch during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
In a bit of a surprising development, new number two receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey returned to practice on Tuesday in full pads, albeit in a limited fashion.
DHB took part in position drills but sat out during team drills, but was certainly a welcome sight at practice. The reason this is significant is because just a couple of days ago, Heyward-Bey was reported to be missing a significant amount of time with a left MCL sprain.
As it turns out, the MRI on DHB’s knee was negative, and head coach Chuck Pagano declared him ‘day to day.’
Heyward-Bey’s presence at practice is critical. The Colts are not deep at wide receiver, at least from an experience standpoint. Even with DHB, the Colts’ WR position is one that has been in question this season, so the team plans to work out wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who was a major free agent bust a year ago with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“We didn’t want him doing too much today, (Wednesday) is a day off, he’ll probably get treatment three or four times and then come back and probably get a little bit more in on Thursday,” Pagano said after the Colts’ evening practice.
Heyward-Bey had 41 catches for 605 yards a year ago, and some people feel like he can really break out this year with Andrew Luck as his quarterback. Getting that chemistry in practice will be key for that happening.