The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 NFL season with one major question mark in the offense. They had no choice but to send Michael Pittman Jr. in a salary-dumping deal to make room for Alec Pierce's mammoth contract, and they need someone to step up and fill his shoes.
Of course, that will be way easier said than done, given that the Colts didn't do much to address that need. Second-year tight end Tyler Warren will pick up some of the slack, and Josh Downs should also be extra motivated in a contract year. Other than that, there aren't many guarantees.
However, judging by reports coming out of OTAs, it looks like an overlooked veteran and unsung special teams hero might be making a strong case for the WR2 role. With a strong minicamp, this could be Ashton Dulin's job to lose.
Ashton Dulin might be the Indianapolis Colts' secret weapon
As things stand now, newcomer Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is competing with Laquon Treadwell, seventh-round rookie Deion Burks, and the aforementioned Dulin. The Colts could rotate and use a committee approach, but Dulin's shiftiness might give him an edge here.
The Colts had Daniel Jones doing some 7-on-7 drills for the first time since tearing his Achilles late last season, and he showed impressive chemistry with Dulin. Per Colts beat writer Jake Arthur, he found him for a couple of touchdowns, and while that might be meaningless, he's certainly making a strong impression.
"Obviously, we're in two weeks of practice right now, but Dulin’s made some good plays, Tread’s (Laquon Treadwell) made some good plays," Coach Steichen said. "Dulin had a great play today in the back of the end zone there. So, those guys are stepping up and I’m pleased with where that group's at right now.”
Coach Steichen has had Dulin taking most of the first-team reps at outside receiver, and he's made the most of the opportunity by showing his athleticism and acceleration. He has never had many opportunities to do so in the offense after spending most of his career playing on special teams, but better late than never.
Through his six years in the league, Dulin has logged a total of 40 receptions for 623 yards and four scores. Still, with no strong competition for the role unless Deion Burks beats the odds and makes the roster as a late-round pick, he should be in a great position to post career highs all over the board.
The Colts will need someone to keep the chains in motion and get those tough yards now that Pittman is gone. And while Downs, Pierce, and Warren make up for a sturdy trio of playmakers, this team can't leave anything to chance after such a disappointing collapse in the second half of last season.
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