Quinn

Pitcock

The Colts originally wanted Pitcock to play the three technique and rush the passer, but he’ll have to occupy blockers as a nose. Fellow rook Keyunta Dawson, Darrell Reid, and Dan Klecko are also in the mix. This figures to be a big problem area for what projects again to be a poor Indy run defense.

The Colts should again be an excellent matchup for opposing running backs. Booger isn’t the dominant force he once was, but was a starter and key force against the run. The Colts need rookie Quinn Pitcock, who’s currently nursing an injured knee, to step up and be effective immediately.

Pitcock was originally considered the favorite to fill the void left by Booger McFarland (torn patella tendon), but fell behind undrafted rookie Ed Johnson, who will start Thursday. Charlie Johnson and Jennings are out with injuries.

“The Goat” missed the first week of training camp with a bum hamstring and had been on camp/PUP. The Colts want Pitcock to be a pass rusher from the interior initally, but he should become an every-down weapon down the line.

He appeared in nine games last year as a rookie. There were rumors that he had lost his desire to play, but we haven’t heard anything concrete yet. Indy basically burned a third-round pick on the the Ohio State tackle last year.

Coach Tony Dungy and President Bill Polian said they will leave the door open for Pitcock to return if he changes his mind down the road.

Pitcock, a third-round pick in 2007, was a relentless player at Ohio State, so it would be rather shocking if this were true. Coach Tony Dungy hasn’t said why Pitcock isn’t in camp, but the matter will be cleared up before Week 1.

An offseason report suggested Pitcock finally has control over his depression and addiction to video games. He was in Seattle’s training camp last season, but hasn’t appeared in a game since walking away from the Colts in 2008. Needless to say, he won’t be guaranteed a roster spot.