Report: Colts Also Work Out Ex-Patriots Wide Receiver Aaron Dobson

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Giants defensive back Leon McFadden (37) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;New York Giants defensive back Leon McFadden (37) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, the Indianapolis Colts also worked out former New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson in addition to running back David Cobb:

Originally a 2013 2nd round pick of the Patriots out of Marshall, Dobson had 53 career receptions for 698 total receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in 3 seasons with the Patriots (2013-15).

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) catches a pass against Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby (28) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) catches a pass against Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby (28) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

However, the 6’3″, 205 pound wide receiver was part of the Patriots final 53-man roster cuts this past September and was signed by the Detroit Lions just a few weeks later–with a few sign-and-release stints, before being released in early October.

Of course, it’s not the first time the Colts have taken a look at an ex-Patriots wide receiver, as former castoffs Josh Boyce and Brian Tyms were brought in this past offseason before being both ultimately released.

With Donte Moncrief (shoulder) presumably out for this week and potentially Phillip Dorsett (hamstring) joining him, the Colts are getting increasingly thin at wide receiver atop their depth chart.

While the team recently placed wide receiver Quan Bray (ankle) on injured reserve and promoted a healthy wide receiver, Tevaun Smith, from their practice squad, the Colts are also assuredly kicking the tires on other free agent wide receivers such as Dobson for additional depth at the position.

The 25 year old Dobson never lived up to his early draft billing with the Patriots and was a career underachiever. To be fair though, the Patriots offensive system can be challenging for some wide receivers–just ask Chad Ocho Cinco.

However, the Colts have taken chances on reclamation projects in the past such as Donnie Avery, Hakeem Nicks, Da’Rick Rogers, and Duron Carter among others with varying degrees of success.

With all of the injuries at wide receiver, it’s possible that Dobson could be the newest candidate on that list.

Update (12:14 PM EST): According to Howard Balzer, the Colts also worked out a handful of other players including former tight end Darion Griswold: