Reggie Wayne: “Today Felt Pretty Doggone Good”

Jul 24, 2014; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) runs passing routes during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts were happy to welcome star veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne back to practice yesterday after losing him to a torn ACL last season. He was in very good spirits and looked to be doing just fine on his knee. There was obviously relief and happiness from Wayne to be back on the field, and that was confirmed with what he said to the media following practice.

“This is what I worked hard for. All the two- and three-a-days of rehabbing and stuff like that, this is what it’s about. Today felt pretty doggone good. When you’re out here and you’re thinking and worrying — what if this and what if that? — that’s when you get hurt. If you just come out here and do the things you’ve been doing … everything’s normal. That’s how I felt today. Not one thing bothered me today. Not one time I went out there and I worried about my knee.”

That is extremely encouraging to hear for Colts fans, and the future is extremely bright for Wayne and the Colts’ offense this year. He is coming down the final home stretch of his NFL career, but it is every obvious that he still has good football left in him and the competitive spirit and enjoyment of playing the game. His knee injury at this stage of his career could have been a huge hit, but he took it in stride and has worked hard to get back to where he is at now.

Wayne ended up playing in just seven regular season games last season with the Colts, but caught 38 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers are extremely good for the amount of games that he played, and he showed that he is still able to make plays in addition to being a possession receiver. Andrew Luck is a much better quarterback when Wayne is on the field, and he will be extremely happy to have him back.

All of that being said, this is a very exciting time for Colts fans with Wayne getting back to full health. The Colts are a very young team, but they are also a team that is expected to compete against the elite teams in the AFC. They may not end up winning a Super Bowl this season, but there is no question that they are on the right track to get there in the near future.