Colts: Mo Alie-Cox just proved he can be Antonio Gates-like weapon for Philip Rivers

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox proved in Week 2 against Minnesota that he can be a weapon for QB Philip Rivers.

Fans in Indianapolis could not have been feeling great heading into the Colts’ Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, as the already-lengthy injury report was worsened prior to kickoff when cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was ruled out due to a stomach illness.

Then, the game started, and budding wide receiver Parris Campbell was carted off the field after suffering an apparent knee injury on a low hit from Vikings safety Harrison Smith. With No. 1 option TY Hilton still struggling with drops following a rough season debut, Campbell’s injury truly could not have come at a worse time for Philip Rivers.

Ironically enough, however, a reliable outlet emerged for the 38-year-old quarterback in the form of tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who had an absolute field day against the Vikings’ supposed elite defense.

Cox was thrust into the starting TE role when Jack Doyle was ruled out after not practicing all week due to knee and ankle injuries. With offseason signing Trey Burton (calf) placed on injured reserve to start the year, Sunday’s game served as an opportunity for the third-year pro to prove he deserves a prominent role on the offense moving forward, and he simply grabbed the bull by the horns.

Putting aside Cox’s brain fart drop that resulted in a Rivers interception, he was outstanding, logging five receptions (on six targets) for 111 yards, which led the team by a wide margin. For comparison, the next highest receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., managed just four catches for 37 yards while limited by a toe injury.

By the way, those 111 yards matched the Vikings’ total for the entire game through three quarters!

If we learned anything about Rivers’ tenure with the Chargers, it’s that he loves throwing to his tight ends, as he and Antonio Gates (a fellow collegiate basketball player like Alie-Cox!) broke all sorts of records together. Therefore, all the Colts really need is a sure-handed physical presence who can stay healthy, and Rivers will find him.

At 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds (!), Cox is the only player on Indianapolis who checks all of those boxes right now, and head coach Frank Reich should undoubtedly keep him involved in Week 3 and beyond.

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