Colts’ WR Depth Getting Tested as Alec Pierce and Josh Downs Miss Time.

As injuries test the Colts’ receiver room, Dulin and Westbrook-Ikhine are making the most of their opportunities.

The Indianapolis Colts entered training camp with questions at wide receiver following the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. The expectation was that Alec Pierce and Josh Downs would be key pieces of the passing game alongside the team’s returning core.

Instead, both are currently sidelined. Pierce is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery and has yet to practice, while Downs has recently been sidelined with a groin injury.

With two important receivers unavailable, the Colts have had to rely more heavily on their depth, giving Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine an opportunity to step up.

Ashton Dulin Making His Presence Felt

Dulin has built his reputation primarily on special teams, but the Colts have long believed he could provide more on offense. With additional opportunities available, Dulin has made the most of his chances during training camp. He has shown the ability to make plays in the passing game, including a touchdown catch from Daniel Jones.

Dulin’s familiarity with the Colts and his experience in the system could work in his favor as he competes for a larger role. He doesn’t need to replace what Pierce or Downs bring to the offense. He simply needs to be reliable when his number is called, and he has done enough to put himself in the conversation for meaningful snaps.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Stepping Up

Westbrook-Ikhine has also taken advantage of the additional opportunities. The former Indiana Hoosier joined the Colts this offseason after spending time with the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins. His experience gives Indianapolis another veteran presence in the receiver room.

Westbrook-Ikhine brings size and physicality to the outside and has shown the ability to make contested catches. Those traits could become especially valuable if the Colts need him to take on a larger role during the regular season.

With Pierce and Downs sidelined, Westbrook-Ikhine has an opportunity to prove he can be more than just another depth receiver.

An Opportunity for the Colts’ Depth

The Colts entered camp expecting Pierce and Downs to be key pieces of the passing attack, with Dulin and Westbrook-Ikhine competing for opportunities behind them.

Now, those opportunities have become even more important. If Pierce and Downs return healthy, Indianapolis will have more weapons available for quarterback Daniel Jones and greater flexibility within the offense. But the Colts also need to know they have capable players who can step in when injuries happen. That’s where Dulin and Westbrook-Ikhine can make their mark.

The Colts don’t need either receiver to become Pierce or Downs. They need them to make the most of their opportunities, execute their assignments and make plays when their number is called.

So far, both have given Indianapolis reasons to be encouraged. If they continue to build on that progress, the Colts could enter the regular season with more reliable wide receiver depth than many expected.