National Football League

Indianapolis Colts minicamp preview: How will Frank Gore, Andre Johnson fit in?

Published Jun. 9, 2015 12:29 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

1: How quickly can outside linebacker Robert Mathis get back on the field?

Mathis told Bill Polian and me on our SiriusXM NFL Radio show in late March that a return by training camp from his torn Achilles tendon was his target date. Nothing has changed in that regard. Mathis continues to rehab and was already ruled out of practicing in the minicamp. The Colts hope Mathis can regain the form that made him the NFL's sack leader in 2013.

2: Who will play right tackle?

With incumbent Gosder Cherilus sidelined until at least August while recovering from knee surgery, Jack Mewhort has shifted from left guard to take right tackle reps at OTA practices. If that arrangement continues at minicamp -- and possibly beyond based upon Cherilus' uncertain health status -- Hugh Thornton and Lance Louis are the leading candidates to become the new starting left guard. The Colts are hoping that whoever is lined up with the first-team offense can stay there for the entire season. The Colts were forced to use 11 different starting combinations in 2014.

3: How soon until a slew of veteran newcomers feel comfortable in Indianapolis?

Four offseason additions to the starting lineup -- running back Frank Gore (San Francisco), wide receiver Andre Johnson (Houston), outside linebacker Trent Cole (Philadelphia) and right guard Todd Herremans (Philadelphia) -- have spent their entire NFL careers with only one team. Minicamp provides a great opportunity for the quartet to continue getting accustomed to their new digs.