INDIANAPOLIS – After months of uncertainty, Drew Ogletree seemed right at home.
He was back running routes, catching an occasional pass from Anthony Richardson, blocking a defensive end or linebacker on a Trey Sermon run and generally doing tight-end things on a bright, sunny Thursday afternoon as the Indianapolis Colts continued to move through the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) phase of their offseason.
“I don’t think I could be in a better place,’’ Ogletree said. “I love Indy. I love the people around me. I love my coaches and teammates. I’m so grateful to be in the place I am right now.’’
Ogletree’s appreciation for the here and now was understandable.
The future of the Colts’ 2022 sixth-round draft pick was in serious doubt after he was arrested on Dec. 29 for alleged domestic abuse. The next day, Ogletree was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
In March, Hendricks County prosecutors dismissed the charges with prejudice, meaning they could not be refiled. In April, Ogletree was removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt list and returned to the Colts’ active roster.
“He’s back,’’ general manager Chris Ballard said in April.
Back in the Colts’ tight end room. Back looking to secure a spot on the 53-player active roster.
Back, period.
“It feels great to be back on the field with the guys,’’ Ogletree said. “Man, I’m so excited for this upcoming season. I think we’ve got a lot of great things coming back, especially with AR being healthy. He brings a whole different dynamic to this offense.’’
Thursday was the first time Ogletree has talked with the media since his legal issues. Not surprisingly, he declined to discuss a situation that threatened his NFL career.
“I put everything behind me,’’ he said. “I’ve got past it. I’m just trying to focus on this year now.’’
Ballard and the Colts could have moved on from Ogletree following the abuse charges. Instead, they stood behind him when the evidence cleared him.
“I love that they believe in our unit and believe in me as well,’’ Ogletree said.
Shane Steichen described Ogletree as “a great competitor.’’
“He made a ton of plays for us last year,’’ he said. “Obviously, we’re passed what happened. We let the legal process play out. He’s here and he’s in our room and we’re excited to have him on our football team.’’
It should be interesting to monitor what the competition among the tight ends produces.
“We’ve all gotta bring our ‘A’ game every day,’’ Ogletree said.
The group includes a mixture of veterans and youth, and size and speed.
Ogletree is 6-5, 260 pounds while Jelani Woods is 6-7, 253 and Mo Alie-Cox 6-5, 267. Will Mallory (6-4, 239) and Kylen Granson (6-3, 242) are cut from the hybrid mold. Depth and competition come from Jordan Murray (6-5, 240) and Eric Tomlinson (6-6 265).
The wild-card aspect of the unit involves two members of the 2022 draft class.
Ogletree missed his rookie year after tearing his right ACL during training camp. He had nine receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games last season before being suspended.
The Colts selected Woods in the third round in ’23 and he quickly flashed difference-making skills with 25 catches, 312 yards and three TDs. But his second season was derailed in its entirety by two hamstring injuries.
Ogletree smiled when asked about finally competing alongside Woods and making a difference in the tight ends room.
“I know me and Jelani came in together and were roommates (our) first year in camp and we’re always talking about what we’re going to do together,’’ he said. “Unfortunately, I went down (in ’22) and he went down the following season. This year, we’re really excited for what we’re about to do.’’
Pittman OK
Consider it a good sign Michael Pittman Jr. was watching from the sideline as Thursday’s practice unfolded.
Last week, the team’s leading receiver sent a scare into the Colts when he elevated while attempting to catch a Richardson pass and collided with several defensive backs. Pittman remained on the ground for several minutes before getting up and limping to the locker room with the assistance of trainers.
At the time, Steichen said Pittman bumped knees with a DB.
It looked worse.
“He’s in a good spot,’’ Steichen said. “We’re just resting him. Like could he go out there and practice right now? Yeah, probably. We’re just going to be smart with him though.’’
This and that
Running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo were among the players not on hand for Thursday’s voluntary practice.
Taylor was “just dealing with some personal stuff,’’ according to Steichen, but will return for next week’s mandatory three-day minicamp.
Odeyingdo had a wedding to attend.
It wasn’t his, Steichen added with a smile.
As expected, right tackle Braden Smith (knee) and wideout Ashton Dulin (knee) were among the players not participating in practice.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.