Stephen Holder

stephen.holder@indystar.com

Tuesday at Colts camp: Practice, 6:25-9:10 p.m.; Colts City, 5-9:30 p.m.

ANDERSON – It’s nearly 10 minutes into an interview with one of the most loquacious players on the Indianapolis Colts’ roster, and he’s said nary a word that can be defined as even mildly interesting.

The questions kept coming. And the answers kept disappointing.

What about your injuries?

“I just want to be healthy and available so I can help my team,” tight end Dwayne Allen says.

With a new contract, isn’t this a big season for you, Dwayne?

“No need to press or change anything up,” he says.

OK, that’s enough. Who is this guy? And what has he done with Dwayne Allen?

It eventually becomes clear this is all very intentional. Try if you must, but there will be no eliciting bold quotes from the Colts’ now-wealthy star tight end.

This is Dwayne Allen 2.0. More business, less talk. Less complaining, more producing.

How (and why) Dwayne Allen returned to the Colts

“I did a lot of talking before,” Allen finally admits. “I felt the talking came from not having the opportunities, so I needed to talk. But this year, regardless of opportunities, I want to be the teammate and the player that people speak for and I don’t have to speak for myself.”

This is an abrupt departure from the past for Allen. He has never been shy about extolling the virtues of his game, unafraid to tell you why he is one of pro football’s marquee tight ends. As Muhammad Ali once famously said, “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.”

The problem with Allen is, the truth of his message has always been undermined by his frequent injuries. And, particularly last season, he felt the need to offer not-so-subtle reminders because of his lack of a consistent role in the Colts’ offense. He was targeted a mystifying 29 times in 13 games a season ago — this from a player who had 45 receptions as a rookie in 2012.

But if it is respect Allen was seeking, the Colts gave him a healthy dose of it in the form of a four-year, $29.4 million contract he signed in March.

The new deal sent a few important messages:

• It said, in no uncertain terms, that Allen was the superior tight end to Coby Fleener, whom the Colts let walk as a free agent. (He ultimately signed with the New Orleans Saints.)

• The contract confirmed the Colts’ confidence in Allen’s ability to stay on the field, something with which he has struggled; Allen has missed 21 games since playing all 16 contests in 2012.

If Allen wasn’t previously feeling the love, he’s feeling it now.

“It’s always good to have it out of the way,” said Allen, looking at his watch as if he can’t wait for this interview to end, “and to know that you’re wanted and wanted in a way that makes others envious.”

Colts observations: Andrew Luck on fire Monday

The new contract has, in effect, bought Allen’s silence.

Rather than talking, he’s been working on his craft. He remained in Indianapolis for the offseason, working relentlessly with new strength coach Darren Krein and his revamped workout program. In the spring of 2015, Allen chose to work out with personal trainers in Arizona, prompting coach Chuck Pagano to call him and implore him to rejoin his teammates in offseason workouts and meetings in Indianapolis.

No such phone call was necessary this season.

As for his role in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski’s offense, Allen isn’t predicting more catches or more targets (though both seem likely as long as quarterback Andrew Luck stays healthy — unlike last season).

Allen indicated he’ll happily perform his role, whatever it ends up being. He won’t just assume Fleener’s former functions as an oversized receiver. There will still be quite a bit of in-line blocking, with Allen using the power and blocking ability for which he is renowned.

“If I’m flexed out 70 times a game, then there’s a problem,” Allen said. “We have talented wide receivers in Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett and T.Y. Hilton. Those guys can do most of the flexing and I’ll stay in-line. But having the ability to flex out adds a dimension to our offense. And we want to be a dynamic, fast-paced, hard-hitting offense. I’m sure there will be some flexing mixed in.”

Doyel: Will we find out why these Colts got paid?

See, he’s just here to do his part.

The interview ends, and Allen continues on his way.

He didn't offer much. Basically, Allen is saying all the right things — which is to say he’s not saying much at all.

Clearly, he won’t be much fun to listen to. But, the Colts hope, Allen will be much more fun to watch.

Follow IndyColts Insider Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.

Tuesday at Colts camp: Practice, 6:25-9:10 p.m.; Colts City, 5-9:30 p.m.