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Colts' Bjoern Werner: 'When I'm out there and healthy, I can be a baller'

Melina Vastola / USA TODAY Sports

Despite a relatively slow start to his pro career, Bjoern Werner remains confident in his ability to contribute at the NFL level.

The Indianapolis Colts pass-rusher indicated following Wednesday's team practice session that his injury struggles may be to blame for his concerning lack of production.

"It's that simple," Werner said, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. "Since I've entered the league, I haven't been healthy one time."

Despite the injuries, Werner's managed to appear in all but four games in two seasons since joining the Colts as a first-round draft pick in 2013.

The 24-year-old is currently being held out of OTAs as he works his way back from a shoulder injury, but he's certain he'll be able to play at the high level expected of him when he's back at 100 percent.

"I don't want to sound cocky, but personally, I feel like when I'm out there and healthy, I can be a baller," he said. "I can do it all. You always have to get that mojo going, of course. But I'm telling you, I'm confident I can be an NFL player and a starter in this league."

Though he started 15 games at outside linebacker last season, recording four sacks early on, earning such a role in 2015 may prove difficult given the number of veteran players in the mix.

Don't expect that to slow Werner down, however, as he seems more than ready to compete for his spot in the lineup.

"A lot of guys out there have had lows. But then they come back and turn it around. As long as I'm here with the Colts, I promise you, I'm going to give it my all. I love the game so much that I'm not going to take my foot off the pedal."

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