The Indianapolis Colts are trending toward having a limited wide receiver group in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Excellent slot wide receiver Josh Downs has a concussion and missed practice, so he was always seemingly doubtful for the game. Ashton Dulin (chest) also missed practice.
Dulin has been used a bit everywhere, including on special teams, by Indy this season. He hasn't been a star, but has been reliable and turned in some good reps. Downs is one of the better slot receivers in the league. His absence would always be felt.
This means two other receivers will likely need to step up. Anthony Gould has only played 27 offensive snaps over two seasons and gotten only one pass target. Expecting him to break out is probably expecting too much. But maybe Adonai Mitchell finally will.
Week 7 could be the game Adonai Mitchell turns into a good player for the Indianapolis Colts
Mitchell, who underperformed as a rookie in 2024, had a chance to be a key piece of the offense in Week 4, and almost was. He caught three passes for 96 yards, and was about to score on a 75-yard touchdown catch and run.
Then, as all Colts fans know, the receiver let go of the ball just as he was about to enter the end zone. He also had a terrible holding penalty on a Jonathan Taylor touchdown run. In other words, Mitchell cost Indianapolis 14 points in a 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
But everyone deserves a second or third chance, right? Mitchell could very well get his in Week 7. Without Downs or Dulin at full strength, Indy's receiving corps features Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and tight end Tyler Warren.
As great as Warren is as a rookie, the Los Angeles Chargers are fantastic at covering opposing tight ends. Warren might get some catches, but he might not be as efficient as he has been through six games. This could put more pressure on quarterback Daniel Jones to get the ball to his wideouts.
Adonai Mitchell could be the star of the game for the Indianapolis Colts, just when people began to not expect anything from him. He has good speed; he proved that against the Rams. Should he excel against the Chargers and help lead the Colts to a road victory, fans will forget a bit about what happened in Week 4.
What Adonai Mitchell appears to need is the confidence gained from on-field success. Week 7 would be a great game to have that, and he will likely be given the chance.