Colts lose Ashton Dulin for the season, hurting the team in more ways than one

Veteran Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin will miss the 2023-24 season after suffering a torn ACL in Wednesday night's joint practice with the Chicago Bears.

Dulin, who is entering his fifth year as a Colt, worked with the second-team throughout this year's preseason. Unfortunately, Dulin's presence will be missed not only on offense, but on special teams. The veteran earned a place on the Associated Press Second Team All-Pro in 2021 as a specialist where his elite speed separated him from the pack.

Colts lose Ashton Dulin for the season

The 26-year-old from Division II Malone University signed a two-year extension worth over $7 million this offseason, and will be under contract through the 2024 season. Dulin's trip to the IR will keep him sidelined for the entire season, but he can still offer valuable help as a veteran on this team.

After placing Dulin on IR, the Colts announced the signing of undrafted rookie WR Tyler Adams from Butler. Adams put up impressive numbers in his final season, tallying 39 receptions for 689 yards and five touchdowns while starting only 3 of 11 games.

Who will step up for Colts in Ashton Dulin's absence?

With the injury coming during training camp, the Colts front office has time to decide who will take over Dulin's second-team reps. One obvious candidate to earn more playing time is the 6-foot-5 Mike Strachan, someone that has rotated in and out of the Colts 53-man roster over the last couple years. Strachan produced a monster highlight against the Bills in the preseason opener as he jumped over a defender to secure a 20+ yard completion.

Another candidate is Amari Rodgers who signed with Indianapolis this offseason after stints with the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans over the last two years. Rodgers played as a kick/punt returner for Green Bay, and his special teams knowledge could lead him to a roster spot this season.

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