INDIANAPOLIS —The Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday hit the practice field for the very first time in 2018 — and for the very first time under new head coach Frank Reich and his staff.
And, for the first time since last season, No. 12 played an active role in a Colts practice session, as well.
2018 Voluntary Vet Mini-Camp 4/24
Andrew Luck was seen participating in some quarterback-center exchanges, as well as performing handoffs to the running backs, during Tuesday's veteran minicamp practice, providing the quarterback another step forward as he works his way back from shoulder surgery.
The activity falls in line with Colts general manager Chris Ballard's expectations for Luck's participation early on in the offseason workout program.
"We'll ease him along," Ballard said last month of Luck in an appearance on 1070 The Fan's "The Grady & Big Joe Show." "I mean, he's in a great place right now, but we'll ease him along.
"He'll be involved — he wants to be with his teammates, he wants to be involved in the offense."
Ballard told reporters on Friday that Luck was "still working on finishing up his strength part" of his rehab work. But, in general, Ballard "(feels) good about where Andrew is at."
"(I) feel good about where he's going," Ballard said. "No negative, just keep doing the process of what he's doing. Keep working and get him back to playing good football."
The Colts this week are taking advantage of a league rule that allows teams with first-year head coaches to conduct one extra non-mandatory veteran minicamp during their offseason workout program.
With Reich and his staff installing their new playbooks, the on-field work, as well as the continued work going over the schemes and approaches in the team meeting rooms, will be invaluable.
"It's fun. I enjoy it. I relish it," Luck told reporters on April 9, when asked about his new daily routine. "There's a lot of new football for me to learn. This is an offense and a system that I've not played in, so that's certainly a challenge. I'm excited to get up every day and come to work, because I know working has made me feel better physically, mentally, emotionally. Being around the guys is a great boost, so I think certainly in this time of year you're always trying to improve yourself and that's the focus. There's no game on the horizon, like you said, and that focus on yourself can be a very positive thing."
