The wide receivers for the Indianapolis Colts have struggled in training camp recently and it may be time for the team to be concerned.
The Indianapolis Colts decided to enter this NFL season without any major changes at the wide receiver position. Indy did draft Alec Pierce, but he was the only addition to the group. Everyone felt this was a risky approach for Indianapolis considering its group of receivers is young and unproven.
Despite that, Frank Reich and Chris Ballard have expressed their belief in these young guys all offseason, and at the start of camp, it looked like the Colts were right. Indy saw several young guys step up and put together quality days of practice. Fourth-year receiver Parris Campbell had quickly built a rapport with Matt Ryan and they were connecting often.
Alec Pierce was making a nice transition to the league and Ashton Dulin was also taking a big step in his development. The Colts also saw some impressive catches by other young wideouts. However, that momentum has since stalled.
With the shoulder pads now on, these young receivers have not been as impressive. The passing offense has struggled the last couple of practices and now it looks like all of the naysayers may be right. Is it time for Indy to officially be concerned about the wide receiver group?
Some Colts training camp observations...
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) August 8, 2022
1. Another sloppy day for the offense. Part was Parris Campbell being out. But two picks on mistimed routes aren't great. Pads have changed the equation on young receivers.
2. Alec Pierce and Brandon Facyson had some good back-and-forth.
Should Colts be concerned about struggling receivers?
One of the factors in the receivers’ struggle was Parris Campbell being held out of practice with hamstring tightness. While that’s probably minor, it represents a fear that many Indy fans have. Campbell has only played 15 games in three seasons because of injury. While he has been a big part of the offense so far, another injury for him could decimate Indy’s passing game.
Not even just from Campbell, but from any of the top guys. The Colts’ receiver room doesn’t have much depth and if Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce, or Campbell goes down, things will get really shaky for the passing attack.
It also sounds like it’s shaky right now with them up. While this could just mean they are still an underwhelming group, it can also mean several other things. The Colts do have a talented defense and maybe they are just making things hard for the offense right now.
Or, maybe the receivers have just hit the training camp wall where soreness and fatigue set in and it becomes a challenge to put together quality practices. If that’s the case, this is just a tough period that they have to work through.
But, it could be the most fearful option: this isn’t a receiver group that can consistently perform. If that’s the case, the Colts will probably get a better idea after Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. If things are still looking bleak then, it’s time for Indy to go find some help.
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