While we are still over 3 months away from the start of the NFL season, it’s never too early to talk about offseason happenings. The Colts had their first official OTA session last week with one more coming this week before mandatory minicamp in June. Here are some quick hit news items from this week’s OTA session.
The Return of Anthony Richardson
The moment we have all been waiting for. Richardson was on the field and back under center for this OTA session. Richardson had his rookie season derailed by injury, but the franchise quarterback was back and did not appear to have any restrictions for the beginning of offseason workouts. The reps will be all his again this offseason and getting into a routine with the starters again will be key to his continued growth and development.
Jelani Woods Returns
Like Richardson, we saw the return of Jelani Woods to make the crowded tight end room ever more crowded. It’s expected that the Colts will sever ties with veteran Mo Alie-Cox to completely go into a youth movement with Woods, Granson, Mallory and Drew Ogletree. Woods has the size and physicality to be a force in this Shane Steichen offense. We have seen what Steichen’s offense has done with Dallas Goedert, Zach Ertz and Hunter Henry. They all thrived under his system and scheme. Woods (if healthy) can be a larger version of those skilled players and hopefully start to show some progress in his career.
Micheal Pittman Jr Injury Scare
A slight injury scare hit the fanbase and franchise when Pittman “bumped knees” with second year corner Jaylon Jones and was down on the field. While these do happen during OTAs, it’s never anything you want to hear about. It appears that Pittman will be just fine but anytime Steichen and Ballard both run on to the field with concern it bares mentioning. Pittman appears to be just fine but his status for Week 2 of OTAs and mandatory minicamp will be determined as they both dates get closer.