Proving Them Wrong

The early reports about Colts players, Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez, were that the safety and receiver would not be able to practice until at least training camp. However, the two injury prone starters have overcome their injuries, and managed to find their way to the practice field. The Colts have begun their OTAs for the summer, and Sanders and Gonzalez were both able to participate. This is great news for Colts fans, but lets not be so fast to clear these guys of all injury concerns. 

Although it is nice to see both of these players on the field participating with the team, they must show that they can hold there own in full contact situations. Both Gonzalez and Sanders are coming off of season ending injuries, so they should not be rushed back to the practice field. However, by participating in non-contact drills, the two will be able to build-up the strength that they have lost and restore muscle memory that they haven’t used in quite some time. Sanders, more than Gonzalez, has a longstanding history of injuries, so it is especially important that he is not rushed back and that he is fully up to speed and recovered. However, the Colts training staff knows what they are doing, and they will not jeopardize Sanders’ season if they do not believe he is fully able to participate in drills. 

Many fans believe that Sanders’ and Gonzalez’s time with the Colts has all but run its course. With the solid play of Melvin Bullitt, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie, the need for Sanders and Gonzalez on this football team has been tremendously reduced. However, as well as Bullitt played last season, there is absolutely no way that he can bring the same energy, fire, and talent, that a fully healthy Sanders brings to the table. In regards to Gonzalez, NFL teams are developing more and more explosive offensive schemes that rely on multiple weapons at several positions. Gonzalez would only add more depth and talent to an already loaded receiving core, but I’m sure if you asked Peyton Manning he will not complain about having to many good receivers. The additions of Sanders and Gonzalez will be huge for this team, and are essentially the equivalent to two additional draft picks. However, unlike rookies, the Colts know what they will be getting with these two players, the only question is whether or not they can stay healthy.