WESTFIELD – The actions are reinforcing the words.
As Gus Bradley deals with the loss of sack leader Samson Ebukam, the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator is giving rookie Laiatu Latu extended exposure with the starting unit.
That was preceded by Shane Steichen conceding there would be more reps for the 15th overall pick in the draft in the aftermath of Ebukam tearing an Achilles tendon on Sunday that almost certainly ended his season. He led the Colts with a career-high 9.5 sacks last season.
“Whenever you lose a guy like Samson, I mean a rusher like that, it’s always difficult,’’ Bradley said following Wednesday’s 90-minute, heat-saturated practice at Grand Park Sports Campus. “But someone will step up to it, and we want to be eight deep.
“So now it’s like who’s going to be the next group of eight? But someone will step up and I think everybody sees their role kind of change. Some guys will get more reps now and we’ll get a chance to evaluate them.’’
Wednesday’s rotation with the starting ends in 11-and-11 sessions spoke volumes.
In all four drills, Kwity Paye was stationed at left end with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart patrolling the interior. Once, veteran Tyquan Lewis was Paye’s right-side bookend.
But three times, it was Latu.
The initial guide for Latu’s rookie development involved allowing him to somewhat ease into things. Ebukam and Paye were the no-doubt starters at end. Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo were the experienced backups.
With Ebukam out of the mix, Latu’s exposure will accelerate.
“Yeah, we were kind of moving along slow to get a feel for it,’’ Bradley said, “but he’ll get more and more reps.’’
While Latu’s presence and promise will undoubtedly remain a defensive focus as camp unfolds, the structure of Bradley’s defense starts with a strong and deep line. As Bradley mentioned, an eight-player rotation is critical.
But so is Latu’s ability to learn on the run and make an immediate impact as a rookie.
“He’s been playing with a good motor,’’ Bradley said. “I think that he’s a high-effort guy. I think especially the last couple of days where you’re seeing him not think as much and you’re seeing that.
“He’s doing a nice job. He just keeps getting better every day. That’s all we’re asking him to do.’’
Pierce active
Alec Pierce is in a camp battle with rookie AD Mitchell, and had a solid morning. It was his latest solid practice.
The 2022 second-round draft pick produced one of the bigger plays of the day by adjusting to a pass from backup Joe Flacco and securing a deep, contested catch along the right sideline. In 7-on-7 work, Pierce ran a come-back route and grabbed a pass from Anthony Richardson for a sizeable gain.
Near the end of practice, Pierce again adjusted for a pass. This time, he left his feet but was unable to bring in the pass. He landed hard and remained on the field for a few seconds before walking to the sideline.
It wasn’t immediately known whether Pierce just got the wind knocked out of him or sustained some type of injury.
“He always brings it to practice every single day,’’ offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “He is as consistent as it comes.
“Sometimes those are 50-50 balls we’re trying to get more than 50% of, and Alec went out and made some big ones today.’’
Defense makes a stand
The first 11-on-11 work involved “low red zone,’’ this time with plays inside the 5.
The defense stepped up on six snaps against the Richardson-led offense.
Buckner and Paye combined for one sack of Richardson while running backs Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon found little room to maneuver.
This and that
Tight end Will Mallory, rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies (hip) and defensive ends Odeyingbo (calf) and Titus Leo (knee) were among players held out of practice.
Cornerback Chris Lammons remains on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) while rehabbing an ankle injury and defensive lineman still is on the non-football injury list with high blood pressure.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.