We learned ahead of Sunday's game that Colts WR Adonai Mitchell would play a limited role against the Raiders after marring his Week 4 opportunity with multiple stupid mistakes. That proved true, as Mitchell played just six snaps and ran two routes against the Raiders. He ranked fifth in playing time among Colts WRs, even with Alex Pierce still out. Ashton Dulin got the group's biggest boost, matching Michael Pittman Jr.'s team-high 27 routes, according to Pro Football Focus. Josh Downs trailed narrowly at 23 routes.
Downs led the team in targets (eight) and receptions (6), and ranked second in receiving yards (54). But the Colts confirmed they do not want to boost his usage in two-WR sets.
Dulin's been with the team for seven years (he missed 2023 with an ACL tear) and has yet to exceed 15 receptions in a season. He ranked third on the team with five targets in this one, catching two for 55 yards.
Pittman checked in second in targets (six) and receptions (39), collecting 39 yards and a TD.
Pierce seems likely to return for Week 6. The Colts listed him as a full practice participant Wednesday and Thursday but then held him out Friday and ruled him out for the game after the WR didn't clear the concussion protocol.
Another Pierce absence seems like it would elevate Dulin's role, but he's not likely to become a fantasy factor outside of ultra-deep leagues.
The whole Colts pass offense gets a positive matchup with the Cardinals next Sunday.
Downs adds volume upside when other WRs are out, but it's a loss for him that he remained third at the position in pass routes and playing time with Pierce and Mitchell out of the way.
Perhaps an injury to Pittman or TE Tyler Warren could turn Downs into a starter-level fantasy asset. But he remains bench fodder short of that.
Mitchell, meanwhile, needs to do extra chores around team headquarters or something to ingratiate himself to coaches once again.
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