Roster %
ESPN: 17.8%
Yahoo: 18%.
Like many other teams in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts have seen important players sidelined with injuries that will keep them out for most of, if not the entire season. Marlon Mack will not return this season, and the team lost receiver Parris Campbell in Week 2.
Campbell was a player on the rise. He is a shifty, dynamic receiver who could do many different things for the offense. Operating as more of a slot receiver, the Colts offense will need to shift around. This could mean a large role increase for rookie Michael Pittman Jr.
How does a player who plays more as an outside receiver replace an inside threat like Campbell? By moving star T.Y. Hilton around on the offense. If Hilton can move inside, this gives Pittman a chance to be productive in a role he is comfortable in.
This offense does operate through the backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines and that will probably remain the case. However, Pittman is an outside, physical receiver for Philip Rivers to target.
So far, Pittman has been held in check. Week 1 he had two catches for 10 yards. Then, saw six targets in Week 2 and caught four of those passes for 37 yards.
The Colts play the Chicago Bears on the road in Week 4. The Bears defense is still one of the best in the NFL, and they have held fantasy numbers for receivers in check so far. Regardless, Rivers is a veteran quarterback and if the running backs establish the run, things can open up downfield.