The Indianapolis Colts are five practices into training camp, and one thing is clear: the wide receiver position remains a major question mark.
Following Michael Pittman's departure this offseason, the Colts are still searching for a suitable replacement alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. The WR3 role is up for grabs, but the team's depth chart from spots three through six is still uncertain.
ESPN's Stephen Holder notes that quarterback Daniel Jones is checking all the boxes coming off his Achilles tendon injury in 2025, but the same cannot be said for his wide receivers. Alec Pierce is still out of the lineup after offseason ankle surgery, and Josh Downs is off to a hot start, but the remaining group has many questions.
The Colts' cornerbacks, Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward, are making it difficult for the wide receivers by shutting down their side of the field. This adds to the challenge for the Colts' receiving corps.
Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell are taking the bulk of the first-team reps with Downs, while Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed some playmaking potential but mostly with the second unit. The tight ends and running backs have been getting a lot of targets from Daniel Jones.
General manager Chris Ballard had mentioned before training camp that he would consider a veteran addition at wideout. The top available options are Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen, and the Colts have plenty of cap space to make a signing.
The Colts are likely to explore different options, including a rotation, where in-game scenarios and weekly matchups dictate who is on the field. The team's decision will have a significant impact on their ability to defend Josh Downs and Alec Pierce, who will be the primary targets for opposing teams.
The Colts' lack of depth at wide receiver is becoming a pressing concern, and the more practices that go by, the greater the need for a solution seems to become. With a clear need for a veteran addition, the Colts are likely to make a move soon to address this issue.
Source: Yahoo Sports