The Indianapolis Colts spent the last few years building a large and athletic tight end room. Even with second-year tight end Jelani Woods sidelined for every game this season, so far, Indy has still rolled out guys like Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, and Will Mallory. Entering the year, this deep group of tight ends was expected to be a big part of the offense. That hasn’t been the case as of late.
While all of the tight ends have took turns making plays throughout the year, things have been pretty silent lately in terms of tight end receiving production. The last time that a Colts tight end had more than one reception in a single game was back in Week 6, when Kylen Granson caught three passes for 67 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Since then, the tight ends haven’t been much of a receiving threat. Let’s take a closer look.
Colts tight ends haven’t been receiving threats
In Week 7, against the Cleveland Browns, Alie-Cox had one catch for -6 yards on one target. The only other tight end with a target that game was Will Mallory, having just one target but zero catches. A week later, against the New Orleans Saints, Drew Ogletree, Alie-Cox, and Mallory all had one catch each. Against the Carolina Panthers, in Week 9, Ogletree was the only tight end wth a catch and he had just one, though, Granson was targeted twice. In Indy’s most recent game against the New England Patriots, Mallory and Granson each had one catch and Alie-Cox was targeted once.
It is important to note that some of the tight ends missed games during that stretch. Granson was out in Week 7 and Week 8, Mallory was out in Week 9, and Ogletree was out in Week 10. Still, the point is that the Colts haven’t had consistent receiving production from the tight ends lately.
Kylen rolled out the red carpet for JT. 🤝
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 14, 2023
📺 #TBvsIND | 11/26 on CBS pic.twitter.com/7jvX8b2t9U
The good news is that the tight ends have still be effective blocking. Whether it’s run blocking or pass blocking, the tight ends have made their presence felt. Kylen Granson was highlighted on Sunday for ushering Jonathan Taylor into the end zone for the only touchdown of Sunday’s game.
With the team currently on its bye week, head coach and offensive play caller Shane Steichen will have time to figure out how to get the tight ends more involved. While Indy’s offense has been good this season, the unit was in a bit of a lull the past two weeks. More consistency from the tight ends in the second half of the season should help change that.