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| Although Colts coach Chuck Pagano will be in the hospital for several weeks, he is still in contact with his team. (AP) |
Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano has been in the hospital receiving treatment for leukemia for more than a week, but he has stayed in touch with interim coach and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.
Arians said Friday he has been communicating with Pagano between practices.
“Oh we have been all week," Arians said. "I think it helps his mind. He’s got his iPad, he’s watching practice probably right now. He’s probably already got it streamed. So we’ll always talk about that.”
Pagano has been using the iPad a lot, apparently. Besides keeping up with the team's progress, he also fired off an email to his players and coaching staff.
"Very private,'' Arians said of the message to the team, according to the Indianapolis Star. "He sent it to every player. Very long.''
"When you read it by yourself, it's very emotional. I don't know if I can get it out to the team. I might assign someone to read it."
Pagano also emailed the Star to say that he was coming along nicely and finally able to watch NFL Network -- thanks to an assist from Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay.
“Nice to be able to watch NFL Network,’’ Pagano wrote to the paper. “Priceless having Jim Irsay as your friend, owner and LEADER!!"
And, like Arians earlier in the week, Pagano, too, implored fans to show up and be loud.
“May the 12th Man be stronger than ever,’’ Pagano wrote. “You will make a difference. Need to hear you from C23! Room at Simon Cancer Center."
Roster move: With depth a major issue on the offensive line, the Colts waived WR Kris Adams on Friday and promoted OT Tony Hills from the practice squad. Hills, a fifth-year pro, has spent time with the Steelers and Broncos.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.
