The Indianapolis Colts, like almost every team, need a bunch of things to go right this season to have a chance to make the playoffs. While some pundits have mentioned the team is trying to "tank" this year in hopes of getting a high draft pick in 2026, fans know the truth.
That is that no matter what some national talking heads say, Indy could definitely challenge for the AFC South title this season. The overall roster is good, and if the quarterback play is solid, Indy could win 10 games. That might be enough to take the division crown.
One position group that gives Indianapolis hopes of being good is the wide receivers. Michael Pittman is sure-handed and consistent, Alec Pierce is explosive, and Josh Downs is one of the best slot receivers in the league. The Colts receiver group is six-deep and quite good.
Indianapolis Colts sign Laquon Treadwell to the practice squad
That is why Indy keeping nine-year veteran Laquon Treadwell around makes little sense. Sure, he might only have been signed to the practice squad on Thursday, but why even keep him there? He was a first-round bust for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016, hasn't stayed healthy in his career, and has only had more than 302 yards receiving in a season once (434 in 2021).
If something happens to one of the Colts' top-six receivers, Indianapolis would be better off looking at signing a potential free agent or looking at another team's practice squad instead of elevating Treadwell from their own. At least, Indy has two other receivers they could elevate.
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Since Indianapolis was seemingly in no rush to sign Treadwell (he wasn't part of the initial announcement of practice squad signings), maybe he had nowhere else to call home. Indianapolis brought him back because head coach Shane Steichen and wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne know what to expect from a player who has 1,242 receiving yards in nine years.
Or maybe general manager Chris Ballard was mystified by Treadwell's excellent performance in preseason Week 3 when he caught all five of his targets, including a 59-yard touchdown reception. Of course, Treadwell was only facing the backups of backups for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The performance was classic Laquon Treadwell. He flashes good ability, but in games that really matter, he disappears. There is no reason to believe that will ever change, and no reason to believe it will change with the Indianapolis Colts.