Colts camp dominated by first rounder Laiatu Latu on first day in pads

WESTFIELD — The Colts wore full protection for the first time during training camp on Tuesday.

And the team’s first choice put on a show.

Laiatu LatuHis speed of entry has been evident throughout the offseason, but NFL coaches like to say that the game really begins for offensive and defensive linemen when the team starts playing in full protection.

Latu looked exactly the same.

Latu played against the tackles for the first time in 1-on-1 pass rush drills and was able to pass the sophomore left tackle Jake Witt on his first snap, then turned to the other side and flew past the sophomore right tackle Blake Freeland to win his second snap.

Latu was generally able to hold up in full team play. Latu opened a period by blowing through the starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann, Beating Raimann with an explosive first step and quick first hands, and shooting into the backfield that he still had time to “fire” Anthony Richardson — defensive players are not allowed to touch the quarterback during practice — and then continue to run behind Richardson as the quarterback rolls to the right to complete the play.

Latu spent so much time in the backfield during the play that he again ran to Richardson and signaled for another “sack.”

The Colts have had high expectations for the rookie’s ability to make an immediate impact since draft night, and the need for the rookie to make an immediate impact was heightened when the team lost its starting defensive end Samson Ebukam from a torn Achilles tendon on Sunday.

Colts news: Colts lose defensive end Samson Ebukam for the season due to torn Achilles tendon

One of the other players expected to fill the role of Ebukam, Tyquan Lewisalso produced a “sack” on Richardson during Tuesday’s practice, shooting past Richardson in the pocket while advancing from the left side of the defensive line.

Short fright

Richardson’s surgically repaired right shoulder looked fine through the first four days of training camp, but the team’s starting quarterback shocked fans with two plays during Tuesday’s practice.

Another player stepped on Richardson during an early handoff to Jonathan Taylor and sent the quarterback to the ground, clutching his left leg and limping as he got up, but Richardson was able to walk it off and continue practicing. Then, on his final offensive snap of the day, Richardson tried to avoid Kenny Moore II in the open field, but the two collided with a loud bang.

Richardson appeared to be in good form in both cases.

He completed 4 of 6 on the day, completing passes to Adonai Mitchell, Michael Pittman Jr., Mo Alie-Cox And Kylen GransonThe two incomplete passes were a drop on a strike over the middle to Pittman, and a scenario blown up by an onrushing Ronnie Harrisonwho knocked the ball down after it left Richardson’s hand.

Busy again

Pittman was involved in a fight for the second time in a row.

Pittman blocked a running play and kept pushing the linebacker EJ Speed long after the play had ended and Speed was already on the ground.

The team’s starting linebacker took offense to Pittman’s push after the whistle and stepped up to fight, throwing a punch with his left hand. Two days ago, Pittman was at the center of another fight with outside cornerback Jaylon Jones.

Jones has spent a lot of time beating Pittman, and on Tuesday they were pitted against each other on three attempts by Richardson. Pittman beat Jones on a drag route for a short catch on the first target, drew a flag for pass interference on the second target, then dropped a pass over the middle on the third target.

Up and down

Evan Hull is in a battle for a spot on the roster.

Hull was drafted in the fifth round out of Northwestern a year ago and was selected to be the third-down back, but his season was cut short by a torn ACL and meniscus, opening the door for Tyler Goodson to take on the role.

Hull is now healthy and fighting for one of the backup running back spots behind Taylor, and he had a boom-or-bust day Tuesday. Hull threw early in the Joe Flacco and had another pass knocked away by rookie nickel Micah Abrahamand then showed his great playing ability by taking a screen from Sam Ehlinger and weaved through the defense for a huge gain. Flacco completed 3 of 6 passes, including two throws to Alec Piercewho will continue to alternate first and second team snaps with Mitchell.

Report of injury

Sophomore defensive end Titus Lion was carted off the field after sustaining a left knee injury. Leo underwent scans for the injury after training, a source said.

The Colts defensive line has been hit hard in the early days of training camp. Indianapolis lost Samson Ebukam torn Achilles tendon on Sunday, defensive end Dago Odeyingbo has missed the last two days of training due to a calf injury and a defensive tackle Raekwon Davis is still on the active non-football/sick list due to high blood pressure.

Reserve cornerback Ameer Speed (undisclosed) and defensive back Chris Lammonswho is still on the list of players who are physically unable to play due to off-season ankle surgery, also did not practice.

Fast hitters

The Colts have drafted a defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore in the fourth round last season for his pass-rushing ability, and it showed in 1-on-1 pass rush drills. Adebawore rushed four times, won two and showed surprising strength on the bull rush. … Linebacker Segun Olubi hit the ball out of the tight end Mo Alie-Cox‘s hands on a catch-and-run for a forced fumble. … Undrafted free agent Trent PennixA college tight end who is being converted back to running back by the Colts, he made a couple of long runs in the middle of practice, a solid showing for a player who weighs 234 pounds.

Colts news: Undrafted Colts RB Trent Pennix, a converted tight end, plays for a brother he never met