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The Colts could have some big players back in the mix for Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Mike Chappell reports that Colts president Bill Polian said on his radio show that linebackers Gary Brackett and Clint Session, as well as running back Mike Hart, could be back.

Others, including Joseph Addai and Bob Sanders, are likely further off.

But as Chappell points out, while Hart and Addai could provide a boost to the run game, none of the injury returnees is going to help the offensive line, which has been insufficient as a run-blocking group and increasingly leaky in pass protection. (Sacks remain low, but pressure is up.)

“I think oftentimes, you guys are driven by what you see on TV," said coach Jim Caldwell at a news conference Monday. "They can highlight a certain couple of areas, and you think that was the way the entire game went. I think they can sort of prejudice your opinion a little bit.

"What we do is we take a look at it. We think we have the right people in there, but we are always trying to jostle it around, trying to make adjustments, trying to make certain that not only do we have the right people, but also are we doing the right things with the folks that we have in there? That’s up for critique, and we challenge ourselves in those areas and we try to find a way to improve. That’s the important thing.”

Polian identified the offensive line as a position of concern after last season, really singling out the effort in the Super Bowl. They were comments several players bristled at. (Greg Easterbrook hit on some of this here in his weekly Tuesday Morning Quarterback column.)

Longtime line coach Howard Mudd was known for molding players who were not high draft picks or top free agents into effective contributors. He retired and passed the torch to Pete Metzelaars, a transition that seemed smooth.

But in a move that was a stunner then and is baffling now, Polian let right guard Ryan Lilja go. Lilja has received good reviews for his play in Kansas City, while the Colts have played two ineffective right guards.

Mike Pollak was benched in favor of undrafted rookie tackle Jeff Linkenbach three games ago.

Left guard’s hardly been solid either, with Jamey Richard getting displaced by Kyle DeVan.

There should be more options.

After Lilja was released, the Colts brought in a couple low-level free agents in Andy Alleman and Adam Terry. Neither stuck. Fourth-round rookie Jacques McClendon has been inactive or worked on special teams.

Polian and the Colts identified a problem, but they really didn’t do anything to fix it, unless we count the Tony Ugoh resolution and release as addition by subtraction.

In the past five drafts, the Colts have taken eight offensive linemen, five in the fifth round or later.

Charlie Johnson is a scrappy left tackle who’s been better than many expected but still might be ideal as a third, swing tackle. Ugoh, Michael Toudouze and Steve Justice are gone. Pollak has been benched. McClendon is a reserve as are seventh-rounders Jaimie Thomas and Richard.

However this season plays out, the offensive line must be the primary concern in the offseason.

It’s time to hit on value picks -- plural. Quality guys and the team’s draft slots may not line up. The Colts may need to maneuver to change that.

It’s critical to Peyton Manning’s chances for another Super Bowl in his remaining years.

» NFC Recent History: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Recent history.

Houston Texans

The best move the Texans made in the past three seasons was trading a second-round pick in 2007 and 2008 to Atlanta for Matt Schaub, a quarterback who’s the key to their offense and team. With so many teams in need of a quality starter, that trade seems like a steal now. They’ve taken four defensive backs with the 10 picks they’ve made in the fifth round or later, and out of Brandon Harrison, Dominique Barber, Brice McCain and Troy Nolan they’ve not found a guy who has been able to contribute consistently. It’s time to spend a big pick on a free safety or corner who has great ball skills.

Indianapolis Colts

Skill positions get attention early, with receiver Anthony Gonzalez and running back Donald Brown grabbed with the two first-rounders in the past three years. The hits in the third round and later have become significant players: Clint Session, Pierre Garcon, Jerraud Powers, Austin Collie, Pat McAfee. Trouble spot? Look to the five offensive linemen who haven’t really panned out. That’s understandable with Steve Justice (sixth in 2008), Jamey Richard (seventh in 2008) and Jaimie Thomas (seventh in 2009), but Tony Ugoh (second in 2007) and Mike Pollak (second in 2008) have left the team with holes and problems that need to be addressed in April. Out of five picks there has to be at least one starter, probably two.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Two first-round picks out of Florida have not met expectations, but the Jaguars still hope safety Reggie Nelson and defensive end Derrick Harvey can become consistent players. Of 25 picks, only one is established as a playmaker on offense, Mike Sims-Walker (third-rounder in 2007). That’s a big part of the reason the team’s not especially potent on offense beyond Maurice Jones-Drew. The top four from the 2009 draft got significant starting experience as rookies, and the 2010 class will have similar opportunities. While Harvey can be steady, he’s not an explosive pass-rusher, and Quentin Groves has struggled. Even with Aaron Kampman signed, they still need another pass-rusher.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have fared nicely with pass-rushers from lesser-known schools -- William Hayes of Winston-Salem State is on the brink of big things and Jacob Ford of Central Arkansas is a skilled rusher. Contributions from second-rounders have been minimal -- Chris Henry is already gone, Jason Jones hasn’t stayed healthy or consistent and Sen'Derrick Marks had no impact as a rookie. After hitting a home run with seventh-rounder Cortland Finnegan in 2006, late-round corners Ryan Smith, Cary Williams and, so far, Jason McCourty, haven’t panned out. A quality corner is a need early in this draft.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Here are the roster moves just announced by the Colts:

Waived:

RB Lance Ball

WR Sam Giguere

DT John Gill

DT Adrian Grady

RB Mike Hart

DE Marcus Howard

DB Dante Hughes

C Steve Justice

WR John Matthews

WR Brett McDermott

RB Walter Mendenhall

OG Tom Pestock

WR Taj Smith

LB Michael Tauiliili

DT Terrance Taylor

OT Jaimie Thomas

DE Josh Thomas

OT Michael Toudouze

Waived Injured:

DB Nick Graham

DB Travis Key

TE Jamie Petrowski

Does Not Count on Active Roster:

DT Ed Johnson (suspended Week 1)

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

An interesting overtime proposal, discussed by Toni Monkovic. I think it's too outside the box to ever be implemented.

Bill Barnwell looks at how it's harder to connect on a throw at the first-down marker than it is to complete a pass a yard or two beyond it. All four AFC South teams make an appearance here.

Houston Texans

Connor Barwin needed surgeries as a youngster to regain his hearing, writes Megan Manfull.

Bart Enis talks to Antonio Smith in a video posted by the team Web site.

Chester Pitts is coming back from surgery on both elbows, writes Brooke Bentley of the team's Web site.

Alan Burge tracks rookie signings just in time to make it look like he inspired the update I've got coming in a bit.

Indianapolis Colts

Curtis Painter hopes he can stick with the Colts, writes Mike Carmin.

A look at the Colts at center, from John Oehser.

And Oehser's more specific look at Steve Justice.

Stampede Blue runs through the big battles coming up in camp.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags signed sixth-rounder Zach Miller, says Michel C. Wright.

Tennessee Titans

Jeff Fisher's getting ready to head overseas to visit the troops, writes Jim Wyatt.

Chris Johnson's included in some running back projections from footballoutsiders.com. Even in the minimum scenario, they have him averaging 5.23 yards per carry.

Kerry Collins says he's more in tune with his role now, says Terry McCormick.

Wyatt reminds us that a good offseason might translate into nothing for a guy come camp.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts are wrapping up minicamp and we just had our last opportunity to chat with some players and with coach Jim Caldwell.

I'll have a post about Ryan Lilja in a bit, but wanted to share a couple developments regarding injuries that Caldwell covered.

Backup center/guard Steve Justice, who started a game at left guard and played in seven more last season as a rookie, recently had back surgery for an issue that was escalating. Caldwell said Justice, a sixth-round pick in 2008, should return during training camp.

Caldwell also said receiver Sam Giguere suffered a fracture fibula in a recent practice but should be back for the start of training camp.

Neither player is a lock for a roster spot this season.

On the good news front: Starting receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who left Saturday's practice at Franklin College with what appeared to be a thigh injury, is OK. While he was held out Sunday, Caldwell said he could have participated.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

We know what the compensatory picks are for the four teams of the AFC South in the upcoming draft.

But what have they meant in past drafts?

Using the great website drafthistory.com, I looked at all the picks the Colts, Jaguars, Texans and Titans have made after the 32nd pick in rounds three through seven since 2004.

The scorecard is unsurprising. The Colts, who've let a lot of players who made big contributions leave via free agency, have had 10 compensatory selections; the Titans have had eight; the Jaguars and Texans three each.

There are some significant names on the list of players acquired with those picks:

Indianapolis: Center Steve Justice, running back Mike Hart, defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, linebacker Clint Session, safety Antoine Bethea, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler.

Titans: Running back Quinton Ganther, receiver Roydell Williams, guard Eugene Amano.

Jacksonville: Defensive end Bobby McCray.

Houston: Receiver David Anderson.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts got a couple guys dinged early and they've been called questionable. While receiver Pierre Garcon returned after it was announced he had knee and ankle injuries, odds are against comebacks for two other more prominent players.

Receivers Anthony Gonzalez (hip) and guard Mike Pollak (ankle) are out.

The offensive line has been filled in with backups beyond Pollak's: Left to right, we've now got starters Tony Ugoh and Charlie Johnson along with Jamey Richard, Steve Justice and Dan Federkeil.

All those subs got experience early this season while the team dealt with injuries.

Tony Dungy has never been shy about playing reserves in games like this that have no bearing on the Colts' playoff positioning.

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

I'll be flipping back and forth between Titans-Packers and Jaguars-Redskins tonight and am sure to share some thoughts.

Yes, it's only preseason and all four teams can show nothing tonight and play spectacularly on opening day. Nevertheless, heading into the final four preseason games for the division, if coaches could write scripts for what they'd like to see, they would look something like this:

Colts vs. Bengals

Tony Dungy doesn't intend to play many starters. Whether Jim Sorgi (knee) plays or not, you'd have to expect undrafted rookie center Steve Justice from Wake Forest to be in the lineup. No matter who he's snapping to, is he on target and does he look comfortable? Odds are he's about to play at least six games in place of Jeff Saturday, and the injured veteran center is rated as a key cog in the Colts' system and his spot now rates as a huge concern. Punts and kicks needed to be handled cleanly by those vying to replace injured T.J. Rushing.

Jaguars at Washington

Jack Del Rio will play most of his healthy starters little, or maybe not at all. This game is a last chance for some veterans to make a case for being around past the weekend. So keep a close eye on receiver Troy Williamson, safety Pierson Prioleau and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy. If they make a couple significant plays, the work could go a long way to them surviving upcoming cuts. Running back Ciatrick Fason, signed recently, probably gets a lot of work as a temporary fill-in. David Garrard will play a bit behind the first offensive line and it would be nice to see left tackle Khalif Barnes play welll. Derrick Harvey, added to the active roster today, could actually get a couple snaps.

Texans vs. Buccaneers

Gary Kubiak won't play veteran starters, but younger guys will get work. At running back, Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton could firm up their roles and Chris Brown can make a final case to stick. There are roster spots still being sorted out at safety and on the defensive line because a lot of guys are bunched up. One of them is veteran Rosevelt Colvin, the linebacker turned end brought in to help spark the pass rush opposite Mario Williams. He's done little so far. Here's a quality roster analysis from John McClain that I missed earlier today.

Titans at Packers

The team's passing offense is a big issue and I don't care what anybody says, it would be a lot healthier for Vince Young and his receivers to spend the next 10 days knowing they can drive the ball in a game setting than wondering if they can. Receivers need to get separation from defenders and Young needs to find them. Tennessee starters will play into the third quarter. Green Bay's may go just 10 plays. That should be a recipe to get something accomplished.

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd

Anytime a team must replace an All-Pro it puts added pressure on the rest of the team, especially if it is on the offensive line at center. The Indianapolis Colts must deal with such a situation as 10-year veteran Jeff Saturday will be out for at least six weeks with a knee injury. His replacement on the line is still unknown.

Offensive line coach Howard Mudd wants rookie C Steve Justice to start in Saturday's place. If Justice fails to seize the spot, G Ryan Lilja could stabilize the position but would force Mudd to shuffle the offensive line.

This has to be a bit of a concern for the Colts offense because, in addition to having a new center, Peyton Manning has not worked with either player during the preseason. Had Manning had time to become familiar with Justice or Lilja, it would be a different story. However, Manning's knee injury has kept him off the field for much of the preseason.

Saturday and Manning have worked together nearly their entire careers. Saturday takes care of protections, identifies the middle linebacker, adjusts the blocking patterns based on the defensive line's movement and makes sure no defender has a free lane to the ball. It remains to be seen how Justice or Lilja would handle all that.

The Colts should still be able to have an up-tempo offense but Manning will need to be more in tune with the protections to help his new center. Manning is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league and he can handle the added pressure, but the fact that he is coming off an injury makes it even that much more difficult.

Justice or Lilja will be thrown into the fire during the first few weeks of the season, especially against Chiacgo DT Tommie Harris in Week 1, Minnesota DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams in Week 2 and Jacksonville DT John Henderson in Week 3.

With Manning sure to have trouble moving in the pocket and the new center lacking experience at the position in the NFL, don't be surprised if opponents target the Colts' interior protection. The shortest distance to the quarterback always is up the middle, so defensive coordinators often respond with pressure packages designed to exploit situations such as this.

A simple inside game -- say, the right defensive tackle attacks the A gap, the left tackle loops around the right tackle and a blitzing linebacker comes through the free alley vacated by the left tackle -- will put a lot of pressure on the Colts' center to protect the hobbled Manning.

To counter these pressure defenses and help Justice or Lilja, the Colts could use double-teams and provide extra help from a guard or a running back. Whoever gets the job will have to spend plenty of time in the film room to soften the blow of losing Saturday.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.