DeionBurks

Oct 5

The Colts opened the season with Alec Pierce as their X receiver and Josh Downs playing Z in 12 personnel before moving into the slot in 11

personnel. Keenan Allen has primarily played Z in 11 personnel. Pierce is currently on injured reserve, allowing Laquon Treadwell to take over at X. Allen also got an expanded role last week, which initially looked promising for his fantasy value, but he suffered a groin injury mid-week and was inactive for this game. Indianapolis had several options to replace Allen. The Colts recently signed Darius Slayton, while Ashton Dulin returned after missing two games with an ankle injury. Younger receivers Deion Burks and Anthony Gould were also active, along with practice squad call-up Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Slayton, however, was a healthy inactive for the second straight week. Dulin stepped into Allen’s role as the Colts’ primary Z receiver in 11 personnel. Burks backed up both Downs and Dulin, while Westbrook-Ikhine was primarily used as the lone wide receiver in short-yardage packages featuring either three tight ends or two tight ends and a sixth offensive lineman. Dulin’s usage is particularly noteworthy because Allen could face a suspension at some point this season following his drunk-driving arrest earlier in the year. That could give Dulin some fantasy value in deeper leagues. Still, it’s difficult to get excited about any Indianapolis receiver outside of Downs until Slayton gets into the lineup and we see how the Colts intend to use him.

Sep 28

Without Pierce, Dulin or Slayton, Treadwell was the Colts' clear X receiver in this game, leading the team in offensive snaps. The Colts surprisingly made other adjustments to their wide receiver rotation. Downs played 88.6% of 12 personnel snaps over the first two weeks, and that dropped to 50% this week, with Allen and Burks getting more involved. Indianapolis primarily used its X receiver in 13 personnel over the first two weeks; Allen was the receiver for most 13 personnel snaps this week. The Indianapolis passing game went almost entirely through Downs, Allen and tight end Tyler Warren. It’s possible Downs’ decrease in snap was because he needed more breaks with how often he was getting targeted. Allen becomes more viable in this role, but the 13 personnel splits will be worth monitoring once Slayton starts playing.