It wasn't long ago that the Indianapolis Colts had more question marks surrounding their offense; in fact, it seems like less than two weeks ago. Those questions centered on who would step up and land the No. 3 wide receiver spot, but running back depth behind Jonathan Taylor and further questions at wide receiver were also major talking points.
Since then, the Colts have cut several wideouts, signed Keenan Allen, seen rookie rusher Seth McGowan win the job as Taylor's backup, and decided to keep another rookie, Alec Burks, at wide receiver. Allen has solved the third wide receiver spot, and with Tyler Warren expected to do more this season, are the Colts actually set on offense?
In terms of strengths and weaknesses, the argument can go both ways, especially at wide receiver. The Colts have a loaded top-three trio, but their depth remains very thin. They have a stud at running back and a stud at tight end. That said, is it enough to snuff out the level of concerns mentioned just a few weeks ago? Colts' insider Stephen Holder says, "Yes."
The Indianapolis Colts offensive skill positions aren't as concerning, but not totally solved
Right off the bat, two looming questions confront the Colts on offense, and they center on Pierce and Allen. Pierce is expected to be ready for the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, but remains limited at practice. What if the injury that's knocked him out of practices all offseason returns? What if health issues follow him into the regular season?
Then there's Allen; while his signing was big for the Colts' reassurances at wide receiver depth, he has missed multiple games each season for the past three seasons, not including last season, when he played all 17 games for the Los Angeles Chargers. Furthermore, Allen, while still a very good veteran pass catcher, didn't get any younger this summer.
Health and injury concerns could come calling Allen's name as well. That said, if he and Pierce stay healthy all season, and the rest of the Colts' skill-position players stay healthy too, then perhaps the combination of starters and primary backups at the offensive skill positions is collectively their biggest strength. At least, this is what Holder believes, who covers the Colts up close and personal.
"A lineup of receivers Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, tight end Tyler Warren and running back Jonathan Taylor presents numerous headaches for defensive coordinators," wrote Holder. "Coach Shane Steichen's ability to get multiple players involved should shine again as it did when Jones was healthy in 2025."
Of course, the key to what Holder said has nothing to do with the wideouts, running back, or tight end, but with the quarterback. Everything hinges on Jones staying on the field. If Jones spends this season fighting injuries, what Holder calls the Colts' biggest strength will become irrelevant. Jones has to be relevant.
Add us as a preferred source on Google