INDIANAPOLIS – Practice for the week has commenced at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
The Colts were indoors on Friday morning for their final practice before a morning walk-through on Sunday.
Here are a few headlines from Chuck Pagano, Josh McNary and Reggie Wayne talking to the media on Friday.Chuck Pagano on Josh McNary starting for Jerrell Freeman:
"From an athletic standpoint, Josh is as athletic linebacker as we have.
"The guy can flat out run and cover."
Bowen's Analysis:* *The major news on Saturday came from Chuck Pagano announcing that Jerrell Freeman would miss his first start in 33 straight games on Monday night. After leaving the Denver game with a hamstring injury, Freeman did not practice all week.
Pagano knows the experience the Colts defense is missing without Freeman. At the same time, McNary has been an intriguing project ever since he arrived during Training Camp last year. McNary's skillset seems to be the ideal fit to make a start against the spread looks the Colts will see from Philadelphia.
Josh McNary on his first NFL start:
"When you're not starting this is something you're always striving for.
"When you do get the opportunity, you want to make sure you maximize it and not look back."
Bowen's Analysis: Come Monday night, McNary and D'Qwell Jackson will have the task of trying to defend the Eagles offense sideline-to-sideline. McNary played in spot duty late last year, making an impact in passing situations.
In his adjustment to inside linebacker, McNary has shown the speed that helped him set a school record for sacks at Army. The last start for McNary came back in 2010 where he ended his career by returning a fumble for a touchdown in the Armed Forces Bowl.
Reggie Wayne on Monday Night Football:
"Whenever you are in primetime, you know America is watching.
"It's also an opportunity for us to right the wrong."
Bowen's Analysis: Wayne held court with the media on Saturday and was his typical entertaining self. He did admit that there was some extra soreness this week in his first game action following ACL rehab.
It's a bit of a shock that this is just the second home Monday night game the Colts have had since 2006. Individually, Wayne has had some of his most productive games in primetime. He was quick to point out how big of an opportunity Monday night is for the Colts to prove to the rest of the NFL what this 2014 team is all about.
INJURY NOTES
The final injury report of the week:
-OUT: Joe Reitz (ankle) and Jerrell Freeman (hamstring).
-After 33 consecutive starts, Freeman will miss Monday night's contest. Obviously, Freeman is a massive loss facing such an innovative offense.
-QUESTIONABLE: Khaled Holmes (ankle), Arthur Jones (shoulder) and Josh Chapman (ankle).
-Jones practiced on Friday for the first time all week. He will be a game-time decision to watch on Monday night.
-PROBABLE: Sergio Brown (shoulder) and Greg Toler (ribs).
-After missing last week's opener, Brown has practiced to some extent all week long.
