According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief is expected to make his return to practice this week, which could be a precursor to him ultimately playing Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs:
After missing past six games with shoulder injury, Colts WR Donte Moncrief returning to practice this week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2016
The 3rd-year wide receiver is entering ‘Week 6’ of his initial 4-6 week timetable of recovery for a separated shoulder that was suffered in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Thus, he should be at least close to making a comeback for the Colts.
However, his in-game conditioning likely remains a concern, and he’d presumably be playing on limited snaps if he’s indeed healthy enough to play Sunday. It’s worth noting though that he’s been performing some light jogging recently:
He's out today, but Colts WR Donte Moncrief is doing some light jogging this morning here w strength coach Darren Krein. Baby steps.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 23, 2016
It’s goes without saying, but the Colts offense could assuredly use him, especially against a generally stout Kansas City Chiefs defense.
So far, the Colts offense has struggled replacing Moncrief.
At 6’2″, 222 pounds, the former Ole Miss standout is the closest thing the Colts have to a possession wide receiver and arguably their most versatile receiver with his ability to go under, deep, or across the middle.
While the Colts were hoping last year’s 1st round pick, Phillip Dorsett, would take another leap forward as the team’s elevated 2nd wide receiver alongside T.Y. Hilton, the 2nd-year wide receiver has so far been underwhelming despite the occasional deep reception.
Specifically, Dorsett has just 8 receptions for 129 receiving yards in 4 games played since Moncrief’s absence–having missed last weekend’s game against the Tennessee Titans with a hamstring injury.
Otherwise, undrafted rookie Chester Rogers has showed flashes of his long-term potential, but was fairly quiet last week with just 2 receptions for 30 receiving yards.
It’s worth noting though that the team’s 2nd tight end Jack Doyle has emerged as a go-to weapon with Moncrief and later primary tight end Dwayne Allen missing action.
Nevertheless, the Colts could use another consistent weapon to take some pressure off T.Y. Hilton on the other side. Fortunately, that receiver looks like it could very well be Moncrief soon enough for Andrew Luck and the rest of the Colts offense.