Heyward-Bey impresses at Colts' OTA
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been impressed with the addition of former Oakland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who joined the team through free agency.
"Darrius had been great, he's been a great addition," Luck said after Wednesday's OTA workouts. "He has great speed, obviously, and he's got a real knack for football.
"He's played a lot of football and he understands situations. He's a good force in the wide receiver rotation. He's done a phenomenal job so far."
Second-year nose tackle Josh Chapman is working with the No. 1 defense. Chapman missed his rookie season last fall as he rehabbed from a knee injury and subsequent surgery.
In the early going of the OTA workouts, top draft pick Bjoern Werner is getting work as the primary backup to OLB Robert Mathis. OLB Erik Walden, picked up as a veteran free agent from Green Bay, is working as the replacement for former OLB Dwight Freeney, who has since signed with San Diego.
Cornerback Greg Toler, signed from Arizona as a veteran free agent, has been as good as advertised in the Colts' initial practices. Toler is expected to start alongside veteran CB Vontae Davis in Indianapolis' defensive backfield.
Running backs coach David Walker thinks that the Colts have a good 1-2 punch in the offensive backfield with second-year running back Vick Ballard and fifth-year running back Donald Brown. The third spot is up in the air with running back Delone Carter and rookie running Kerwynn Williams expected to battle for the job.
Carter has played well when given the opportunity but has been bothered by injuries during his three previous seasons in the league. He is sitting out OTA work as he continues to rehab from shoulder surgery. Williams is expected to be the Colts' primary kickoff returner.
Linebacker Pat Angerer, nose tackle Brandon McKinney, safety Joe Lefeged, rookie safety John Boyett and Carter missed practice time during the OTAs as they recover from injuries.
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and safety LaRon Landry are both missing from the voluntary OTA workouts. Wayne and Landry are both working out on their own as they have in past seasons. Both are expected to take part in mandatory practices.
