Looks like we're going to see some changes:
Coach Tony Dungy was noncommittal after practice regarding who will start Monday night against Cincinnati.
"We're looking at a lot of different things," Dungy said. "We'll see.''
Rocky Boiman took his name out of the mix, saying, "I'm not starting this week."
So, instead of moving Gary Brackett over to SAM, they're benching Gardner (THANK YOU JESUS!) and starting Morris. Fine, works for me. It's a good start.
However, the injuries are still a big concern.
Dungy anticipates Freeney, Lilja, Harper and Diem playing against the Bengals. The same can't be said for the safeties.
Sanders will likely miss his 10th game in the past 12 with soreness in his right knee. The status of Jackson and Bethea, each of whom suffered shoulder injuries at Jacksonville, won't be determined until the weekend.
The only able-bodied veteran safeties Thursday were Matt Giordano and Dexter Reid. To compensate for the absences, rookie cornerback/kick returner T.J. Rushing took repetitions at safety. The team also signed safety Scott Ware, a rookie out of USC, to the practice squad.
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TJ Rushing, folks.
A rookie 7th round pick brought in here to return kicks and punts! THAT is Indy's #1 back-up at safety now. What's the record for most passing yards allowed in a game? I think Palmer might just break it.
There was a quote from newly acquired free agent WR Ricky Proehl that caught my attention. Since he's new to the club, he has a different perspective on things. Here's what he said about the team rebounding from its recent losing streak:
Um, wow! WOW! I'm really starting to question the toughness of this team. Right now, Sanders, Bethea, and Jackson SHOULD be playing. If they aren't, then they should be IRed. Only a season-ending injury or a missing LEG should keep them out of this game. If it is "soreness" or something like that, they should be playing! For a veteran like Proehl to say something like that means this team lacks toughness. Yes, the team is young. That's no excuse.
I would very much like the team to purge itself of some of these young players who are not playing through it.