En route back to Foxboro from today's practice — I tended to personal business knowing that Monday's session was in shells and at a lower intensity — here are some things to know about the joint practice with the Colts, and other Patriots thoughts:
• Colts were 8-9 last season after a 7-1 start, and had to turn to ancient Philip Rivers at QB due to injuries.
• Injury update: The Colts continue to be without WR Alec Pierce, who the Patriots might well have paid through the nose for if he hit the market. Pierce reportedly just received his second PRP injection on his left ankle. That's not good. ... Quick slot WR Josh Downs, a favorite target of Drake Maye's at UNC, has been out with a groin injury, but could take part in the joint practice. ... Without those two at receiver, there isn't much firepower at WR for Indy. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a former Vrabel Titan, is about it, and he's well-traveled. ... The Colts have been without projected starting MLB CJ Allen (hamstring), the team's second-round pick. ... S Hunter Wohler has missed time as well with a hamstring.
• Colts coaches:
Head coach Shane Steichen - On the job since 2023 after doing a great job as the Eagles' offensive coordinator, where he coached A.J. Brown. Jim Bob Cooter manages Steichen's offense. Colts were 8th in points and 9th in yards last year.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo: Was a longtime great defensive coordinator for the Bengals until their poor personnel made him the scapegoat. Colts were 21st in points, 23rd in yards last season.
Special teams coordinator Brian Mason: In his fourth season after coming up from the college ranks.
• Key connections:
Patriots LB Chad Muma, who is favored to be the No. 3 backer to start the season, was claimed by the Colts last season after his release from the Jaguars. He was waived by Indy on Nov. 25 and signed to the practice squad. The Patriots signed him to their active roster on Dec. 25.
Colts QB Riley Leonard threw passes to Patriots tight end Eli Raridon on the 2024 Notre Dame squad that faced off against Ohio State in the national championship that season.
Former Vrabel Titans: Colts defensive end Arden Key (also played for Josh McDaniels on the Raiders) and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Reggie Wayne is the Colts' WRs coach. He spent a little time with the Patriots in 2015.
• Matchups to watch:
Colts CB Sauce Gardner vs. WR A.J. Brown: Two premier players. Gardner will be different for Brown in that he's longer than Christian Gonzalez.
Colts TE Tyler Warren vs. LB Christian Elliss, S Craig Woodson: This is probably the best matchup on the field with Warren being a matchup nightmare. It will be a stern test for the Patriots' cover guys.
Colts DTs DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart vs.