It's a Long wait
Offensive guard Terry Long, due Friday at training camp but nursing a knee injury, said yesterday he'll report next week after gaining clearance from his personal physician. That time frame may not be good enough for the Colts, though, who might force the issue.
"We're disappointed he didn't come on Day 1," said coach Don Matthews. "Certainly it puts him behind. We'll evaluate it, see what his timetable is, and see if it's workable to us."
Long, 34 and an eight-year veteran with the Pittsburgh Steelers, had surgery on his right knee a year ago. He says although he has no problems, he still wants his doctor to examine it, but that doctor is out of town.
Comings and goings
The Colts acquired veteran RB Mike Pringle from the--Sacramento Gold Miners for future considerations. Pringle produced 1,438 all-purpose yards a year ago, averaging 6.1 yards per rush.
In 1989 for Cal State-Fullerton, he tied the NCAA single-game rushing record with 357 yards. That year, he led the nation with 2,690 all-purpose yards, beating out Sheldon Canley, his new teammate. Pringle, who played with the Atlanta Falcons in 1990, reports with the veterans on June 10.
Outgoing were defensive backs Tony Tellington of Youngstown State and Reggie Robinson of Taft College. Both left camp, Robinson tentatively to join the Miami Hooters of Arena Football.
Stock rising
Slot backs Shawn Beals and Jerry Ursin were standouts in passing drills for the second straight day. On defense, the play of three promising middle linebackers -- Melendez Byrd, Malcolm Goodwin and Earnest Fields -- could prompt the Colts to move veteran middle linebacker Ken Benson to an outside spot.
Pads on loan
Colts equipment manager Tracy Solem went to unusual lengths to get enough shoulder pads to outfit 90 players in camp. He went to the NFL. When the team couldn't fill Solem's entire order in time for the start of camp, he borrowed 22 sets of pads from the Los Angeles Rams, 15 from the Denver Broncos and 10 from the Cleveland Browns.
MEET THE COLTS
Sheldon Canley
Pos.: RB
Ht.: 5-9
Wt.: 200
College: San Jose State
Year: 1st in CFL
Outlook: A prototypical CFL back, Canley has good hands, catches the ball well, and is an elusive runner. He heads an impressive cast of running backs in camp.