Indianapolis Colts 2026 Wide Receiver Preview: Alec Pierce and Josh Downs Lead a Deep but Unproven Group

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with a dramatically different wide receiver room.

Michael Pittman Jr., the team’s leading receiver for much of the past several seasons, was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason. Adonai Mitchell was also sent to the New York Jets as part of the Colts’ trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Those moves created significant opportunities for the receivers remaining in Indianapolis.

Alec Pierce now steps into the season as the Colts’ leading outside receiver after producing the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career. Josh Downs remains the team’s most reliable separator and short-to-intermediate target, while free-agent addition Nick Westbrook-Ikhine brings size, experience and touchdown production.

Behind them, Indianapolis has assembled one of the NFL’s most competitive groups of reserve receivers. Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould contribute speed and special-teams value. Rookie Deion Burks brings legitimate game-breaking acceleration, while Laquon Treadwell provides veteran leadership.

Coleman Owen, Eli Pancol, Sahmir Hagans, E.J. Horton and Raylen Sharpe will enter training camp fighting for roster spots, practice-squad opportunities and roles on special teams.

The Colts may not possess a traditional superstar at wide receiver, but the room includes speed, size, experience and several intriguing developmental prospects. How those pieces come together could determine whether Indianapolis can build a consistent passing offense around Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard.

Alec Pierce

Wide Receiver | No. 14

Height: 6-foot-3Weight: 211 poundsAge: 26NFL Experience: 5th SeasonCollege: Cincinnati

College Career

Alec Pierce developed into one of college football’s most dangerous vertical receivers during his career at Cincinnati.

He appeared in 45 games for the Bearcats, recording 106 receptions for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 17.5 yards-per-reception average demonstrated the downfield ability that would eventually become his calling card in the NFL.

Pierce served as a team captain during Cincinnati’s historic 2021 season, catching 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns while helping the Bearcats reach the College Football Playoff. He also earned Second-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors and First-Team Academic All-America recognition.

NFL Career Highlights

The Colts selected Pierce with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

His first two seasons featured encouraging moments but inconsistent production. Pierce began establishing himself as an elite deep threat in 2024, when he caught 37 passes for 824 yards and seven touchdowns while leading the NFL with 22.3 yards per reception.

He followed that performance with a career year in 2025. Pierce recorded 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while leading the league in yards per reception for the second consecutive season. His 21.3-yard average made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous big-play receivers.

Indianapolis rewarded Pierce with a new contract during the 2026 offseason, establishing him as an important part of the team’s long-term offense.

Strengths

Pierce combines size, speed and exceptional downfield ball-tracking ability.

His strengths include:

• Outstanding vertical speed
• Excellent size for an outside receiver
• Ability to track deep passes
• Strong contested-catch ability
• Large catch radius
• Proven big-play production
• Improved intermediate route running

Pierce’s greatest skill is his ability to stretch a defense vertically. Safeties must respect his speed, which can create additional space underneath for Josh Downs, Tyler Warren and the Colts’ running backs.

Weaknesses

Pierce must prove he can remain productive when defenses begin treating him as Indianapolis’ primary outside receiver.

Areas for improvement include:

• Creating separation on shorter routes
• Becoming more consistent against physical coverage
• Expanding his production over the middle
• Increasing his reception total
• Remaining healthy

Pierce underwent an ankle procedure during the offseason after playing through discomfort in 2025. The Colts expected him to return at some point during training camp, making his recovery one of the team’s most important preseason storylines.

Why 2026 Could Be His Breakout Year

Pierce has already broken out statistically, but 2026 gives him an opportunity to become a complete No. 1 receiver.

With Pittman no longer on the roster, Pierce should receive more targets and greater responsibility. Opposing defenses will likely devote additional attention to preventing his deep receptions, forcing him to win through intermediate routes, comebacks, slants and contested catches.

If Pierce maintains his explosive-play ability while becoming a more complete route runner, he could establish himself as one of the AFC’s best young receivers.

Josh Downs

Wide Receiver | No. 2

Height: 5-foot-9Weight: 171 poundsAge: 24NFL Experience: 4th SeasonCollege: North Carolina

College Career

Josh Downs was one of the most productive receivers in North Carolina history.

He appeared in 34 games and finished his college career with 202 receptions for 2,483 yards and 22 touchdowns. Downs recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and earned First-Team All-ACC honors during each of his final two years.

In 2022, Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns despite appearing in only 11 games. He led the ACC in receptions, receiving yards, receptions per game and receiving yards per game.

NFL Career Highlights

Indianapolis selected Downs in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He immediately became one of the Colts’ most dependable receivers, setting a franchise rookie record with 68 receptions. Downs followed that performance with career highs of 72 receptions, 803 yards and five touchdowns in 2024.

His production declined to 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 as Indianapolis incorporated tight end Tyler Warren more heavily into the passing game. However, the Colts have indicated that Downs could receive more opportunities following Pittman’s departure.

Strengths

Downs is the Colts’ most polished short-to-intermediate route runner.

His strengths include:

• Quick acceleration
• Sharp route running
• Excellent change of direction
• Ability to separate from man coverage
• Reliable hands
• Strong awareness against zone defenses
• Toughness working through traffic
• Punt-return experience

Downs understands how to manipulate defenders with his footwork and body positioning. His ability to uncover quickly makes him particularly valuable on third down.

Weaknesses

Downs’ size can create challenges against larger, more physical defenders.

Areas for improvement include:

• Winning against press coverage
• Increasing yards after the catch
• Remaining available for a full season
• Becoming a larger red-zone factor
• Producing more explosive receptions

He is unlikely to overpower defensive backs, so his success depends heavily on timing, precision and creating early separation.

Why 2026 Could Be His Breakout Year

Downs may become the greatest beneficiary of Indianapolis’ offseason changes.

Pittman’s departure leaves a considerable number of short and intermediate targets available. While Pierce stretches defenses vertically, Downs can attack the space created underneath.

Shane Steichen can use Downs from the slot, place him in motion, design option routes and occasionally move him outside to create favorable matchups.

A season with 80 or more receptions is realistic if Downs remains healthy and receives the expanded role Indianapolis has discussed.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Wide Receiver | No. 12

Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 211 poundsAge: 29NFL Experience: 7th SeasonCollege: Indiana

College Career

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine played 51 games at Indiana, finishing his college career with 144 receptions for 2,226 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He became only the seventh receiver in Hoosiers history to surpass both 125 receptions and 2,000 receiving yards. He also recorded six career games with at least 100 receiving yards.

NFL Career Highlights

Westbrook-Ikhine entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2020.

He steadily developed from a special-teams contributor into a dependable outside receiver. During his first six professional seasons with Tennessee and Miami, he appeared in 93 games with 42 starts.

Westbrook-Ikhine enters 2026 with 137 career receptions for 1,862 yards and 19 touchdowns. Indianapolis signed him during free agency to provide experience, size and competition following the departure of Pittman.

Strengths

Westbrook-Ikhine offers a combination of size, versatility and experience.

His strengths include:

• Strong frame
• Red-zone ability
• Experience playing multiple receiver positions
• Willingness to block
• Reliable preparation
• Special-teams experience
• Ability to contribute without receiving a high target volume

He has spent much of his career succeeding as a complementary receiver rather than requiring an offense to be built around him.

Weaknesses

Westbrook-Ikhine has never consistently produced like a high-volume receiver.

Areas for improvement include:

• Creating separation against faster cornerbacks
• Producing after the catch
• Becoming more consistent from week to week
• Rebounding from limited production in 2025

He caught only 11 passes for 89 yards during his season with Miami, so Indianapolis must determine whether he can recapture the touchdown-making form he displayed earlier in his career.

Role in 2026

Westbrook-Ikhine will compete with Ashton Dulin, Deion Burks and others for the third starting receiver position.

His size makes him a logical option on the outside, particularly when the Colts want Downs operating from the slot. He could also become a valuable red-zone target and blocker in formations featuring Jonathan Taylor.

Ashton Dulin

Wide Receiver | No. 16

Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 215 poundsAge: 29NFL Experience: 8th SeasonCollege: Malone University

College Career

Dulin was one of the most accomplished players in Malone University history.

He set school career records with 189 receptions, 3,188 receiving yards and 5,455 all-purpose yards. He also scored 28 receiving touchdowns.

Dulin was an elite track athlete, earning Division II All-America recognition in the 400-meter hurdles and 60-meter hurdles. That athletic background helped him become one of the fastest and most versatile players available following the 2019 NFL Draft.

NFL Career Highlights

Indianapolis signed Dulin as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Although he has never become a full-time starting receiver, Dulin has built a lengthy NFL career through speed, toughness and special-teams excellence. He earned Second-Team Associated Press All-Pro honors as a special-teams player in 2021 after finishing second in the NFL with 17 special-teams tackles.

Dulin has also delivered occasional explosive offensive plays, including touchdown receptions of 62 and 54 yards. In 2025, he caught five passes for 106 yards while continuing to contribute in several different roles.

Strengths

Dulin’s versatility has allowed him to remain valuable through several coaching staffs and quarterback changes.

His strengths include:

• Straight-line speed
• Size
• Special-teams ability
• Downfield receiving
• Blocking
• Experience in the Colts’ system
• Ability to contribute as a runner
• Strong work ethic

Weaknesses

Dulin has not consistently earned a large offensive role.

Areas for improvement include:

• Route-running refinement
• Short-area separation
• Staying healthy
• Producing consistently when given targets
• Proving he can handle an expanded snap count

Role in 2026

Dulin will have one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

The Colts have identified him as one of the players who could help replace Pittman’s outside snaps. His knowledge of the offense and special-teams value give him an advantage in the roster competition.

If Dulin demonstrates that he can consistently win as an outside receiver, he could open the season as Indianapolis’ third receiver.

Deion Burks

Wide Receiver | No. 80

Height: 5-foot-9Weight: 180 poundsAge: 23NFL Experience: RookieCollege: Oklahoma

College Career

Deion Burks began his college career at Purdue before transferring to Oklahoma.

Across 48 games and 31 starts, Burks caught 151 passes for 1,669 yards and 14 touchdowns. During his final season at Oklahoma, he recorded 57 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns.

Burks strengthened his draft stock by running the 40-yard dash in 4.30 seconds at the 2026 NFL Combine, the fifth-fastest time among participating wide receivers. Indianapolis selected him with the 254th overall pick in the seventh round.

Strengths

Burks possesses legitimate NFL speed.

His strengths include:

• Elite acceleration
• Ability to stretch the field
• Quickness after the catch
• Experience in the slot and outside
• Potential on jet sweeps and screens
• Kick-return potential
• Ability to create separation before defenders can make contact

Burks’ speed gives Indianapolis another player capable of forcing defenses to defend the entire field.

Weaknesses

Burks must prove that he can translate his athletic ability into consistent NFL production.

Areas for improvement include:

• Defeating physical press coverage
• Catching through contact
• Expanding his route tree
• Improving consistency
• Contributing on special teams
• Avoiding being viewed exclusively as a speed specialist

Why He Could Surprise

Seventh-round selections rarely enter training camp with guaranteed roles, but Burks possesses a trait that cannot be taught.

His 4.30 speed could make him difficult to release during final roster cuts. Even if Pierce remains Indianapolis’ primary deep threat, Burks can be used on crossing routes, screens, reverses and kickoff returns.

If he demonstrates dependable hands and special-teams ability, Burks could earn immediate playing time.

Anthony Gould

Wide Receiver | No. 6

Height: 5-foot-8Weight: 174 poundsAge: 25NFL Experience: 3rd SeasonCollege: Oregon State

College Career

Anthony Gould appeared in 43 games at Oregon State, catching 84 passes for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns.

His greatest college impact came as a return specialist. Gould led the nation by averaging 18.3 yards per punt return in 2022 and returned two punts for touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-America recognition from The Sporting News and First-Team All-Pac-12 honors as a return specialist.

NFL Career Highlights

The Colts selected Gould with the 142nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

His offensive opportunities have been limited. Gould recorded one reception for 23 yards as a rookie and caught two passes for six yards in 2025.

He has made a greater impact in the return game, where his quickness and open-field vision give Indianapolis a potential field-position weapon.

Strengths

Gould is one of the fastest and quickest players in the receiver room.

His strengths include:

• Punt-return experience
• Kick-return ability
• Open-field elusiveness
• Acceleration
• Ability to operate from the slot
• Experience running a complete college route tree

Weaknesses

Gould must demonstrate that he can contribute beyond special teams.

Areas for improvement include:

• Handling physical coverage
• Increasing offensive production
• Catching the ball consistently
• Developing as a route runner
• Staying healthy
• Separating himself from Burks and Downs, who offer similar speed-based qualities

Role in 2026

Gould enters training camp in a direct competition with Burks and several undrafted rookies.

His NFL experience and return ability provide an advantage, but he must create offensive plays during camp and the preseason. Indianapolis may not have room for multiple undersized speed receivers unless each offers a distinct role.

Laquon Treadwell

Wide Receiver | No. 13

Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 215 poundsAge: 31NFL Experience: 10th SeasonCollege: Mississippi

College Career

Laquon Treadwell was one of the most productive receivers in Ole Miss history.

He appeared in 35 games and recorded 202 receptions for 2,393 yards and 21 touchdowns. During his junior season, Treadwell led the SEC with 1,153 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

He also earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors after catching 72 passes during his first college season.

NFL Career Highlights

The Minnesota Vikings selected Treadwell with the 23rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

He never developed into the featured receiver many expected, but he has continued his professional career through persistence and adaptability. Treadwell has spent time with Minnesota, Atlanta, Jacksonville, New England, Arizona, Seattle, Baltimore and Indianapolis.

His best NFL season came with Jacksonville in 2021, when he caught 33 passes for 434 yards and one touchdown. Treadwell has remained with Indianapolis since initially joining the organization in 2024 and re-signed in March 2026.

Strengths

Treadwell provides experience and physicality.

His strengths include:

• Strong frame
• Contested-catch ability
• Blocking
• Understanding of NFL defenses
• Professional preparation
• Experience playing several receiver positions
• Leadership for younger players

Weaknesses

Treadwell has struggled to separate consistently throughout his NFL career.

Areas of concern include:

• Long speed
• Creating separation
• Limited recent regular-season production
• Lower developmental upside
• Need to contribute on special teams

Role in 2026

Treadwell enters camp as a veteran competing for one of the final receiver positions.

His experience could become valuable if injuries affect the group. However, Indianapolis may favor younger receivers with greater special-teams upside when making its final roster decisions.

Coleman Owen

Wide Receiver | No. 9

Height: 5-foot-10Weight: 181 poundsAge: 25NFL Experience: 1st SeasonCollege: Ohio

College Career

Coleman Owen played at Northern Arizona before completing his college career at Ohio University.

Across 53 games, Owen caught 255 passes for 3,517 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also contributed as a punt and kickoff returner.

Owen produced his best season after transferring to Ohio in 2024. He caught 78 passes for a school-record 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First-Team All-MAC recognition.

NFL Career Highlights

Owen signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

He impressed during the preseason and eventually appeared in two regular-season games. Although he did not record a reception, his presence on the active roster gave him valuable experience entering his second training camp.

Strengths

Owen brings production, versatility and experience as a returner.

His strengths include:

• Reliable hands
• College production
• Route-running experience
• Punt-return ability
• Quickness
• Ability to contribute from the slot

Weaknesses

Owen must prove that his college production can translate against NFL defenders.

Areas for improvement include:

• Creating separation from NFL defensive backs
• Winning through contact
• Increasing special-teams value
• Producing against higher-level competition
• Establishing a clearly defined role

Why He Could Surprise

Owen already understands the Colts’ system and demonstrated playmaking ability during the 2025 preseason.

A strong second training camp could move him ahead of some of the rookies. His ability to play receiver and return punts gives him a legitimate opportunity to compete for the final roster.

Eli Pancol

Wide Receiver | No. 83

Height: 6-foot-3Weight: 205 poundsAge: 26NFL Experience: 1st SeasonCollege: Duke

College Career

Eli Pancol played 57 games at Duke, making 27 starts.

He finished his college career with 130 receptions for 1,710 yards and 14 touchdowns. Pancol enjoyed his best season in 2024, catching 60 passes for 798 yards and nine touchdowns while earning Third-Team All-ACC recognition.

His college career also included adversity. Pancol missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a lower-body injury during preseason camp.

Professional Career

Pancol signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2025 before eventually joining the Colts’ practice squad.

Indianapolis signed him to a reserve/future contract following the season, giving him a full offseason to compete for a larger opportunity.

Strengths

Pancol offers size that many of the Colts’ younger receivers lack.

His strengths include:

• Large catch radius
• Red-zone potential
• Ability to win through contact
• Experience working from the outside
• Strong college touchdown production
• Familiarity with Riley Leonard from Duke

Weaknesses

Pancol must show that he can separate from NFL cornerbacks.

Areas for improvement include:

• Route-running quickness
• Special-teams production
• Staying healthy
• Creating separation
• Adjusting to the speed of the NFL

Why He Could Surprise

The Colts need size behind Pierce, Westbrook-Ikhine, Dulin and Treadwell.

Pancol’s combination of height and touchdown production gives him an opportunity to stand out during red-zone drills. His previous relationship with Leonard could also help him during preseason games when reserve players receive extended opportunities.

Sahmir Hagans

Wide Receiver | No. 11

Height: 5-foot-11Weight: 188 poundsAge: 23NFL Experience: RookieCollege: Duke

College Career

Sahmir Hagans spent five seasons at Duke and developed into a productive receiver and dangerous return specialist.

He appeared in 57 games with 40 starts, recording 152 receptions for 1,586 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hagans also returned 24 kickoffs for 756 yards, averaging an impressive 31.5 yards per return.

He earned Second-Team All-ACC recognition as a return specialist in 2025 and helped Duke reach four consecutive bowl games.

Professional Career

Hagans signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent in May 2026.

Strengths

Hagans offers value in multiple phases.

His strengths include:

• Kick-return ability
• Experience
• Open-field vision
• Reliable short-area receiving
• Toughness
• Ability to play from the slot
• Strong understanding of special teams

Weaknesses

Hagans must distinguish himself in a crowded group of similarly sized receivers.

Areas for improvement include:

• Downfield separation
• Producing against press coverage
• Creating explosive receiving plays
• Proving himself against NFL competition
• Establishing value beyond kick returns

Why He Could Surprise

Hagans’ clearest path to the roster is through special teams.

His college return production gives him a legitimate opportunity to challenge Gould and Burks. If he proves capable of covering kicks in addition to returning them, Hagans could become one of the most interesting undrafted players in camp.

E.J. Horton

Wide Receiver | No. 10

Height: 6-footWeight: 183 poundsAge: 25NFL Experience: RookieCollege: Purdue

College Career

E.J. Horton completed his college career at Purdue after previously playing at Marshall and Florida Atlantic.

During the 2025 season, he caught 27 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown while also contributing as a runner. His experience in multiple offensive systems required him to continually learn new terminology, route concepts and quarterback tendencies.

Professional Career

Indianapolis signed Horton as an undrafted free agent in May 2026.

Strengths

Horton possesses a solid combination of size and athletic ability.

His strengths include:

• Experience playing in multiple systems
• Ability to line up inside or outside
• Straight-line speed
• Willingness to block
• Potential special-teams versatility
• Experience against Big Ten competition

Weaknesses

Horton’s college production was limited compared with several other receivers competing for roster positions.

Areas for improvement include:

• Route-running consistency
• Catch-point production
• Creating separation
• Demonstrating special-teams value
• Becoming more consistent from play to play

Role in 2026

Horton enters camp as a developmental player fighting for preseason repetitions and a practice-squad opportunity.

He must make an immediate impression on special teams and take advantage of opportunities created by injuries or scheduled rest for veteran receivers.

Raylen Sharpe

Wide Receiver | No. 8

Height: 5-foot-9Weight: 173 poundsAge: 24NFL Experience: RookieCollege: Arkansas

College Career

Raylen Sharpe played at Missouri State and Fresno State before finishing his college career at Arkansas.

During the 2025 season, Sharpe caught 41 passes for 592 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 54 yards.

Sharpe concluded the regular season with a reception in 41 consecutive games, demonstrating impressive consistency despite changing schools and offensive systems.

Professional Career

Indianapolis signed Sharpe as an undrafted free agent in May 2026.

Strengths

Sharpe is a quick and versatile offensive player.

His strengths include:

• Ability to create yards after the catch
• Experience in multiple offenses
• Quickness
• Slot versatility
• Ability to contribute as a runner
• Consistent college production

Weaknesses

Sharpe faces significant competition from other smaller receivers.

Areas for improvement include:

• Defeating press coverage
• Contributing on special teams
• Creating a unique role
• Winning contested catches
• Adjusting to NFL defensive speed

Why He Could Surprise

Sharpe’s college reception streak shows that he can consistently find ways to get open.

He may not possess Burks’ elite straight-line speed or Hagans’ return résumé, but his versatility and reliability could make him a productive preseason receiver and practice-squad candidate.

The Most Important Training Camp Battles

Pierce and Downs appear secure as the Colts’ top two receivers, assuming Pierce completes his recovery without further complications.

The competition behind them will be much less predictable.

Westbrook-Ikhine and Dulin are the leading candidates for the third receiver position. Westbrook-Ikhine offers greater experience as an outside receiver, while Dulin provides familiarity with the offense, speed and elite special-teams value.

Burks could force his way into the rotation because of his exceptional speed. Gould must demonstrate that he remains the team’s best return option, while Treadwell will rely on experience, physicality and consistency.

The competition involving Owen, Pancol, Hagans, Horton and Sharpe may be determined almost entirely by special teams. Reserve receivers rarely make an NFL roster by catching passes alone. They must cover kicks, return punts, block and perform several roles.

What This Group Does Well

The Colts possess several complementary receiving skills.

Pierce is one of the NFL’s premier deep threats.

Downs can separate quickly and provide a dependable target underneath.

Westbrook-Ikhine, Dulin and Treadwell offer size and experience.

Burks and Gould supply speed.

Pancol gives Indianapolis another large target, while Owen, Hagans and Sharpe bring slot and return potential.

The group also fits Shane Steichen’s ability to create favorable matchups through motion, formations and personnel changes.

The Biggest Concern

Indianapolis must determine who will replace Pittman’s consistency.

Pierce creates explosive plays, but he has not previously been asked to operate as a high-volume No. 1 receiver. Downs has been dependable, but his size makes it difficult to use him exactly as Pittman was used.

The Colts need someone to make difficult catches on third down, defeat physical coverage and provide a dependable target when the offense becomes predictable.

That player could be Pierce, Downs, Westbrook-Ikhine or even tight end Tyler Warren. Until someone proves capable of filling that role, wide receiver will remain one of Indianapolis’ most important questions.

Final Thoughts

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with a wide receiver room built around opportunity.

Alec Pierce has developed from a raw deep threat into a 1,000-yard receiver and now has the chance to become the team’s leading offensive weapon. Josh Downs remains an outstanding route runner who could produce the best season of his career with a larger target share.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Ashton Dulin will compete to provide experience and stability, while Deion Burks gives Indianapolis a rookie with game-changing speed. Anthony Gould, Laquon Treadwell and the team’s collection of young receivers provide depth, but they must prove themselves throughout training camp.

This group may not enter the season with the recognition of the NFL’s elite receiving units. However, it possesses enough speed, versatility and competition to become productive.

The outcome will depend on whether Pierce becomes a complete No. 1 receiver, Downs handles an expanded role and at least one reserve emerges as a dependable third option.

If those things happen, the Colts could turn what appears to be an uncertain position into one of the offense’s greatest strengths. If they do not, Indianapolis may discover that replacing Pittman’s production and physical presence is more difficult than anticipated.