Tom James
Tribune-Star Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS —
With the start earlier this week of the Indianapolis Colts organized team activity practices, there is still no word on exactly where the team will conduct its training camp workout later this summer.
Rose-Hulman has been the site of the Colts’ preseason practices since 1999. There remains no definite answer, however, on whether the school will be the host again this year.
While no other potential sites have been mentioned by team officials, a final decision could conceivably come sooner rather than later. Exactly when an announcement could come, though, remains sketchy.
“It’s not etched in stone yet. So whenever it is, I know we’ll have a formal announcement. At this point in time, it’s not [been decided],” Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell said after Thursday morning’s OTA session.
“We don’t announce anything if it’s in sand. You know what happens in that situation. There’s a couple of parables in the Bible that we can talk about, right?”
Late last month, Colts team president Bill Polian said that plans for the training camp’s site were “muddled.” Polian hasn’t been available to update that comment, however.
When contacted by e-mail Thursday, Rose-Hulman sports information director Kevin Lanke replied that negotiations with Indianapolis officials “are ongoing.”
• Injured players return — With the start of the team’s organized team activities Tuesday, the news has been good for several Colts players who suffered injuries last season.
Strong safety Bob Sanders (torn bicep), wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee) and placekicker Adam Vinatieri (hip/knee) have all been able to participate in drills. Quarterback Peyton Manning, who had neck surgery after the 2009 season concluded, also has shown no ill effects and has been able to practice.
Rookie cornerback Kevin Thomas (knee) has not undergone surgery as of yet. Thomas was hurt on the final day of the Colts’ rookie mini-camp earlier this month. Defensive end Dwight Freeney continues to rehab the right ankle injury that he incurred in the 2009 AFC Championship game. The injury slowed his effectiveness in Super Bowl XLIV.
• Missing OTAs — Free safety Antoine Bethea, who has yet to sign his one-year tender with the team, has not practiced this week. He will return to the workouts, which are voluntary, when his contract situation has been settled.
Bethea, who could become a free agent after the 2010 season, would like to have a longer deal in place with the Colts.
Among the veterans, defensive ends Robert Mathis (who graduated from college last week), wide receiver Reggie Wayne and Freeney have not taken part in the workouts. Wayne usually spends his voluntary practice time working out with other former University of Miami players in Florida.
“Dwight is here. Reggie is just kind of on his typical [offseason] schedule. They know we’d love to have them all here. They’ll all be here at some point in time. We’d love to have them all year the entire time. But you’ve got to roll with the punches some time,” Caldwell said.
“We’re not worried about them because of the fact that they do come [to the mandatory workouts] in great shape. And they’ll do a fine job once they arrive.”
Rookies Richardo Mathews (defensive tackle) and Gregg Peat (offensive guard) are also absent due to classes still being in session at Cincinnati and Oregon State, respectively. They will be able to return for next month’s workouts.
