| Colts WR Donnie Avery has been an offensive boon in Austin Collie's absence. (Getty Images) |
When the Indianapolis Colts signed wide receiver Donnie Avery during the offseason, it was unclear where the fourth-year player would fit into the Indy offense. With mainstays Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie in the fold, Avery appeared to be the third option. Now, with Collie missing the opening two games, Avery has shown that he can be a solid complement to Wayne.
“He’s very dynamic, fast, quick-twitch, can really stretch the field and get across the field fast on some crossing routes,” quarterback Andrew Luck said of Avery. “I’m glad to see that it’s showing up in the games because he’s been doing it in practice."
Avery, who caught Luck's first career touchdown pass, has 12 catches for 148 yards in the first two games filling in for Collie.
Speaking of Collie... Head coach Chuck Pagano, again, said that Collie (concussions) was expected to practice Wednesday and that he would be re-evaluated. Collie hasn't played a down this season and if he is inactive for a third straight week, there will be increased talk about his future. It seems everyone has an opinion on whether his career should continue or if it is too risky, but at this point, the only thing that's certain is that Collie is still occupying a roster spot and not playing in games.
More injury news: Offensive tackle Winston Justice returned to practice Wednesday, while outside linebacker Dwight Freeney again missed practice and will probably be out Sunday with a high-ankle sprain. Pagano said officially that Freeney is day-to-day, as is center Samson Satele (knee), though Pagano expects Satele to play Sunday. An MRI on his knee was negative.
Defensive end Cory Redding (triceps) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
WR Sambrano released: The Colts released wide receiver Jabin Sambrano from injured reserve. Sambrano was originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent earlier this year and placed on IR at the end of last month.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.