The Indianapolis Colts open training camp on July 29 in Indianapolis. Here's a closer look at the Colts camp:
Top storyline: All eyes will be on quarterback Andrew Luck when he takes the practice field and attempts his first pass since January. He missed the entire offseason following right shoulder surgery in the winter. Owner Jim Irsay went on the record to say Luck would be ready for the start of the regular season, but that target date will remain in question until Luck starts throwing, which had not happened as of last week. The Colts plan to have Luck on a "pitch count" once he starts practicing because they want to closely monitor his progress. Simply put: No Luck and the Colts face the possibility of missing the playoffs for the third straight season.
QB depth chart: This used to never be a problem for the Colts, but Luck's body has started to break down. He's missed 10 games in the past two seasons because of injuries ranging from a concussion to a lacerated kidney. Scott Tolzien, who started the one game Luck missed in 2016, took all the first-team reps during offseason workouts. Stephen Morris was his backup.
Bubble watch: Defensive lineman David Parry has started all 32 games through his first two seasons in the league. Parry lost his starting job when the Colts signed former New York Giant Johnathan Hankins. They also added former Tennessee Titan Al Woods, which put Parry's status on the roster in jeopardy.
That rookie could start: Safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Quincy Wilson, the team's first two picks, are projected to start on a defense that finished 30th in the NFL last season. A sleeper to keep an eye on is inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., the team’s fifth-round pick out of Northwestern. Playing time at linebacker could end up being one of the most competitive battles during training camp.
Revamped defense: New general manager Chris Ballard tore down and started the rebuilding process of an old and slow defense by putting an emphasis on acquiring players who can force takeaways and are physical and athletic. The Colts acquired 13 defensive players through the draft and free agency and could end up with as many as seven new starters on that unit. The defensive transformation might take some time, but the process has started. Ballard said he would be pleased if his defensive unit could make a jump to the middle of the pack in the NFL this season after being a poor unit during the majority of coach Chuck Pagano's first five seasons.
Offensive line continuity: This is the first time in Luck's six-year NFL career that he will play behind the same core group of offensive linemen in consecutive seasons. The one position that could be up in the air is right tackle, where second-year player Le'Raven Clark will get the first crack at starting. The Colts hope the continuity up front will finally stop Luck from taking a beating from opposing defenses. They gave up 44 sacks and 128 quarterback hits, which was second most in the league last season.
For daily updates at camp, check out the Indianapolis Colts clubhouse page.