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Like always, the Colts’ offensive line seems to be a big focal point for many this offseason.
The unit is very much still a work in progress, as they have a lot of pieces - including four linemen drafted last year. But at the same time, the Colts have three of the five starting spots solidified: Anthony Castonzo at left tackle, Jack Mewhort at left guard, and Ryan Kelly at center.
Of those three, the only one to not start all 16 games last season was Mewhort, who suffered a knee injury that resulted in him ending the season on injured reserve. He suffered a chondral defect that required surgery, but he recently spoke with Colts UpClose and said that his rehab is going well.
“It’s been great,” he said of the offseason. “You know, it’s been a time to kind of unwind and evaluate. I had knee surgery knee the end of the season so I’ve been rehabbing that and I’ve come a long way there, so I’m feeling great. I’m feeling refreshed. The way it ended for me in 2016, I kind of feel like I’m ready to get back out there and turn the page and start a new chapter. So I’m ready to go.”
Regarding the particulars of the injury - which is actually the same one that Kendall Langford had last year, too, Mewhort explained that it’s actually a common thing for linemen.
“Yeah, so it’s a common injury for offensive linemen,” he said. “A lot of guys have it. It’s just a bump in the road, it’s just something that you have to maintain and deal with and stay on top of every day and just kind of be a pro about. It’s nothing that’s new to me, but it’s just something that you have to work through and get stronger and take it day by day. I’ve made a great amount of progress and I’m feeling back to who I am.”
That’s very good news for the Colts, who need Mewhort to get back to full health for next season. They have questions about the right side of their offensive line anyway, so it would be great to get the left side solidified. They have done that, provided the three guys stay healthy (Castonzo, Mewhort, and Kelly).
Mewhort is a very good left guard when he is healthy, and he’s started 40 games since he was drafted by the Colts in 2014. He’s set to become a free agent next offseason and figures to be one of the top priorities then, but the first priority for him is obviously getting fully healthy and ready to go for the 2017 season. It sounds like he’s doing well, which is encouraging news for the Colts up front.