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.