CINCINNATI -- The last time the Indianapolis Colts visited for the final preseason game, their starters could have driven over in a minivan and had plenty of room left for all their equipment.
Their return trip could be just as meager.
Two years ago, the Colts played only two starters -- both on defense -- in the final preseason game in Cincinnati. Last year, they used only one starter -- again, on defense -- in their last tuneup game in Indianapolis.
There's a pattern here.
The Colts (1-2) will give most of their starters the day off Friday night at Paul Brown Stadium, keeping with coach Tony Dungy's practice of keeping his best players out of harm's way in the final preseason game.
"You certainly could see some," Dungy said. "There are some guys who need to play a little bit. We've got some first- and second-year players that need some time."
At this point, the defending Super Bowl champions are buying time until their season opener against New Orleans. That game will be on Thursday night -- another reason not to let his starters do too much.
