The Indianapolis Colts are making changes to their wide receiver depth chart after Alec Pierce was placed on injured reserve with a heel injury.
Pierce’s absence creates a significant opening in the Colts’ passing attack, particularly on the outside, where he has served as one of Indianapolis’ primary vertical threats. With Pierce sidelined for at least four games, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and newly signed Darius Slayton headline the Colts’ available wide receivers.
Indianapolis Colts WR Depth Chart Without Alec Pierce
Here is how the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart currently projects with Pierce unavailable:
- Josh Downs
- Keenan Allen
- Darius Slayton
- Laquon Treadwell
- Ashton Dulin
- Deion Burks
The exact order could change as Indianapolis determines how quickly Slayton can become comfortable with the offense.
Darius Slayton Could Replace Alec Pierce
Darius Slayton is one of the most interesting players to watch following Pierce’s move to injured reserve.
Indianapolis signed the veteran receiver following Pierce’s injury, giving the Colts another proven vertical option. Slayton spent several seasons with quarterback Daniel Jones while the two were members of the New York Giants.
That existing familiarity could help Slayton get involved in the Colts offense relatively quickly.
Slayton also brings the type of downfield speed Indianapolis loses with Pierce sidelined. While he may not immediately play every offensive snap, he has a chance to eventually assume a significant portion of Pierce’s outside receiving responsibilities.
Josh Downs Takes on Bigger Role
Josh Downs should remain one of Daniel Jones’ primary targets.
Downs has established himself as a reliable option from the slot and could see additional opportunities with Pierce unavailable. Rather than directly replacing Pierce’s role as an outside deep threat, Downs could benefit from additional targets being distributed throughout the offense.
His ability to create separation underneath makes him particularly valuable on third downs and other passing situations.
Keenan Allen Gives Colts Veteran Presence
Keenan Allen provides Indianapolis with another established receiving option.
The veteran receiver gives Jones an experienced route runner who can operate throughout the formation. With Pierce unavailable, Allen and Downs could become even more important on short and intermediate routes while Slayton stretches defenses vertically.
A combination of Allen, Downs and Slayton could become Indianapolis’ primary three-receiver package.
Laquon Treadwell Could See More Snaps
Laquon Treadwell is another receiver positioned to benefit from Pierce’s absence.
Treadwell received additional opportunities after Pierce exited against the Kansas City Chiefs and could remain part of the Colts’ outside receiver rotation.
How Indianapolis divides snaps between Treadwell and Slayton will be something to watch as Slayton becomes more familiar with the playbook.
What About Ashton Dulin and Deion Burks?
Ashton Dulin remains an experienced depth receiver and important special teams contributor, although his ankle injury is another situation Indianapolis will have to monitor.
Rookie Deion Burks gives the Colts additional speed and versatility deeper on the depth chart. Burks could receive more offensive opportunities while Pierce is unavailable, particularly if Indianapolis wants to manufacture touches or add another explosive element to the offense.
Colts Projected Starting Wide Receivers
If everyone is healthy and Slayton quickly adjusts to the offense, Indianapolis could eventually feature this three-receiver combination:
Josh Downs — Slot/WR
Keenan Allen — WR
Darius Slayton — Outside/deep threat
Treadwell, Dulin and Burks would provide depth behind that group.
How Long Will Alec Pierce Be Out?
Because Pierce is being placed on injured reserve, he must miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return.
His eventual return will depend on how his heel responds during rehabilitation and whether Indianapolis believes he is ready to resume football activities.
Until then, the Colts will have to replace both Pierce’s snaps and his ability to stretch defenses down the field.
Colts WR Depth Chart Becomes a Story to Watch
Alec Pierce’s injury changes the structure of the Indianapolis Colts receiving corps, but the addition of Darius Slayton gives the team an experienced option capable of filling an important role.
Josh Downs and Keenan Allen should continue to receive significant opportunities, while Slayton could emerge as Daniel Jones’ primary vertical target once he is fully incorporated into the offense.
For now, the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart is led by Downs, Allen and Slayton, with Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin and Deion Burks providing additional depth while Pierce remains on injured reserve.