Colts Make Surprise Decision on Veteran WR Weeks After Signing Him

The Indianapolis Colts have struggled through the first five weeks of the NFL season, even if they do sit in second place in the AFC South at 2-3. They opened with back-to-back losses to the Ravens and Chiefs before beating the Texans and Commanders in consecutive weeks. In Week 5, they came back down to earth, falling 34-22 to the Steelers.

The defense has largely been carrying the team, while the offense continues to struggle to move the ball with Daniel Jones under center. The Colts are averaging just 193 passing yards per game, one of the lowest marks in the NFL. It’s not all Jones’ fault, as he’s been without top receiver Alec Pierce, who remains on injured reserve with a heel injury.

Now Indianapolis has released the player brought in to help replace that lost production: veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton.

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Slayton spent his first seven seasons with the Giants and was supposed to be a veteran presence under new head coach John Harbaugh as the franchise’s longest-tenured player. But New York released him days before the season opener, and he signed with the Colts on Sept. 22.

He didn’t play in a game for Indianapolis and ends his short tenure with nothing to show for it. But at 29 years old and with plenty of experience, he could land with a new team in the coming weeks.

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As for the Colts, they clearly believe in what they have between Keenan Allen, Josh Downs and Laquon Treadwell, along with star tight end Tyler Warren. Releasing Slayton so abruptly could also hint that Pierce is nearing a return. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 26, which means he’ll be eligible to return after Sunday’s game against the Titans.

After Tennessee, the Colts travel to Minnesota and Jacksonville, then face the Cowboys, Dolphins and Texans, a stretch for which they’d probably like to have their top receiver available.