Colts expect Donte Moncrief, Hugh Thornton back by start of training camp

The Indianapolis Colts concluded their offseason program today with their final day of mini-camp, breaking until they report to Anderson University for training camp later this summer.

During the offseason program, one of the biggest things that we can take away are in regards to health, as there have been several players not participating in OTAs so far. Some of those players, like Henry Anderson, could begin training camp on the PUP list. Others, however, are expected back by the start of camp.

That includes cornerback D'Joun Smith, who suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, and it also includes offensive lineman Hugh Thornton and wide receiver Donte Moncrief. Head coach Chuck Pagano said today that both Thornton and Moncrief, who have missed the entire offseason program, are expected back for camp.

This is good news for two players who could have a big impact in 2016. Moncrief is the team's number two wideout and will see plenty of targets, while Thornton will be competing for the starting right guard spot. It has been unclear what injury he's nursing, but Moncrief underwent a foot procedure to clean some things up that were bothering him last season. He recently got out of his walking boot and is making progress, so the odds are good of him being on the field at Anderson when the Colts start.

Again, while it stinks for players to miss time in offseason workouts, the most important thing is to get and stay healthy. So hopefully Moncrief and Thornton have both taken care of their injuries and will be ready to go by camp, as that's a crucial time for them to be on the field competing and getting ready for the season.