The Indianapolis Colts enter Week 5 in the wake of a frustrating 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and all eyes are on the availability of second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
Mitchell, who had what should have been the highlight of his young career stolen from him in Week 4, caught three of four targets for 96 yards — but a pair of game-altering plays have left his Week 5 role uncertain.
Head coach Shane Steichen addressed the situation when asked if Mitchell would be active against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders Sunday.
“Working through that,” per Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan.
Mitchell’s performance against the Rams was overshadowed by “unacceptable” mistakes. First, he appeared to score a 76-yard touchdown, hauling in a deep ball from Daniel Jones and sprinting down the sideline. But as he crossed the goal line, Mitchell fumbled the ball out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a touchback instead of a Colts lead.
Later, he was flagged for holding on a play that nullified a 53-yard Jonathan Taylor touchdown run. Those two plays, coupled with his inconsistent snap count, have left his Week 5 role in limbo.
Alec Pierce OUT vs. Raiders
Mitchell’s potential Week 5 limitations are compounded by the absence of wide receiver Alec Pierce, who will miss a second straight game due to a concussion.
The Colts offense’s primary vertical threat, has participated in practice this week but has yet to clear the NFL’s independent concussion protocol. Indianapolis also ruled out cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles), running back Tyler Goodson (groin), and safety Daniel Scott (knee) for Sunday’s contest.
Pierce, who has dealt with three concussions in just four NFL seasons, will miss at least two games this time. His absence puts additional pressure on Mitchell, but also opens up a redemption opportunity.
Colts’ WR Outlook for Week 5
With Pierce sidelined, Mitchell’s snaps could be critical — but only if the coaching staff trusts him to avoid further miscues. Michael Pittman Jr., limited in practice due to a hamstring issue, is expected to be active. He leads the team with 21 catches, 234 yards, and three touchdowns. Beyond Pittman, Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin will be available to round out the WR group.
Mitchell, selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has yet to fully justify his draft capital. As a rookie, he recorded 23 receptions on 55 targets for 312 yards across 17 games.
This season, he has seven receptions for 137 yards in four games, appearing on 100 of the team’s 262 offensive snaps (13th via Pro Football Reference). His 12 targets rank sixth on the roster.
Sunday’s matchup against the Raiders presents a potential opportunity for Mitchell to establish himself and wipe away the Week 4 woes.
“It definitely stings,” Mitchell said after the Rams loss, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “The ball was put in my hand to make a play for the team, and it was a matter of losing focus … just a play that can’t happen. Just unacceptable. I’ve just got to be better for the team and for the organization.”
Steichen has emphasized patience while evaluating Mitchell’s role. For a Colts team aiming to prove it belongs atop the AFC South, the decision will be critical.
Will Mitchell rebound and earn a key role in Week 5, or will the coaching staff prioritize caution and veteran reliability? “Working through that” may be Steichen’s only answer for now — but all eyes will be on Mitchell Sunday.
