As the Colts wrapped up training camp last week, rookie lineman and starting left guard Jack Mewhort missed time with an injury that was deemed precautionary. He also missed Saturday's game, which caused some commenters to worry, but it was clear all along that Mewhort was being held out as a precaution.
Today, he returned to practice at the Colts West 56th Street complex.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jack Mewhort said no setback on his knee or anything. Just precautionary and said he's glad to be back at practice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash">#Colts</a></p>— Steve Andress (@ColtsReporter) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColtsReporter/statuses/501407679173382144">August 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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The return of Mewhort is big for the Colts and for him. Ever since Donald Thomas went down with another season-ending injury it has clearly been Mewhort's job as the starting left guard, and even more so after Saturday night when Lance Louis struggled while stepping in for the injured rookie. Now that Mewhort is back at practice, he'll step right back in with the first team, and it's really important for him to get a lot of work there. It's great that he's back now, as he's likely to play in Saturday night's third preseason game against the Saints, the game when the starters tend to play the most. Mewhort needs the work and he needs to get playing time with the first team line so that he can be as ready as possible for week one, when he'll be protecting Andrew Luck and blocking for Trent Richardson in a game that actually matters - and, one that will be broadcast on national television in Manning vs. Luck round two.
Mewhort did a solid job in his first preseason game, and so far the line has given Luck enough time to make plays. With Mewhort back, the trend should continue - though, keep in mind, he's sure to have some rookie struggles.
As for other injury news, here's a bit of the DNP list:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Among <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colts?src=hash">#colts</a> not practicing today: Howell, Freeman, AJackson, McNary, Loiseau, Holmes, TY with helmet</p>— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) <a href="https://twitter.com/mchappell51/statuses/501393620856217600">August 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
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No big surprises, but we might get some clarification / additional info from Chuck Pagano later today.