Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) took part in Thursday's training camp practice. His status is worth noting after he suffered an injury scare with his knee during OTAs in the spring. Pittman has led the Colts in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, setting career-high figures in catches (109) and receiving yards (1,152) last season. The 26-year-old star wideout will need to build chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson and put up more touchdowns if he wants to jump to the next level in 2024, but Pittman is the clear-cut top target in Indianapolis' offense and is shaping up as a steady WR2 pick in the third-round of 12-team fantasy drafts this summer.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said at training camp on Thursday that the team isn't going to limit second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) as a runner. "People ask this, too 'Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?' And I kind of think like, 'Shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers. Well, that's one of Anthony (Richardson's) strengths. We're not gonna get away from that," Steichen said. General manager Chris Ballard said earlier this week that the 22-year-old former first-rounder will be full-go in camp after needing season-ending right-shoulder surgery after just four games played in his rookie season in 2023. Because of his playing style and ability to extend plays with his legs, Richardson is more injury-prone than some other QBs, but he also has elite upside. Despite having never played a full season, Richardson is going to a popular midrange QB1 target in fantasy drafts this fall.

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell on Wednesday. The Colts waived wide receiver Xavier White in a corresponding move. Treadwell had limited opportunities last season with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in only five games and making one reception on three targets in a meaningless Week 18 game. Drafted 23rd overall in 2016 by the Vikings, Treadwell has yet to surpass 35 catches or 434 receiving yards in a single season. His career has been marred by inconsistency, having not played more than six games in a season since his modest career-best year with Jacksonville in 2021. With a receiving corps already featuring Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, rookie Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce, Treadwell joins as a camp hopeful aiming to secure a depth role on the roster.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters on Wednesday that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) will be a full-go in training camp this summer. "I'm not expecting any limitations right now," Ballard said. This was the expectation all along after Richardson needed season-ending right-shoulder surgery just four games into his first NFL season in 2023. As long as the 22-year-old former first-rounder doesn't have a setback with his shoulder this summer and in the preseason, he'll enter the 2024 regular season as Indy's unquestioned starter under center with an extremely high fantasy ceiling, mainly because of his elite rushing abilities with the football in his hands. Even though he only has four games of experience in the NFL, Richardson is going to be expensive in fantasy drafts once the top tier of names at the position come off the board.

After a slow start to his NFL career as a rookie, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been productive, especially considering his quarterback situation. The USC product has averaged 98.7 receptions, 1,053 receiving yards, and 4.7 touchdowns over the last three seasons despite playing with six quarterbacks over that stretch. Heading into Year 5, Pittman Jr. is looking to enter the next tier at the position. "I need to get to that next level and reach that next tier, Pittman said. "And I think that starts with probably more touchdowns." Having a healthy Anthony Richardson all season could help, but a healthy Richardson and Jonathan Taylor could mean the team will be among the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL. Additionally, Pittman is likely to face the strongest target competition of his career alongside wideouts Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell, and Alec Pierce. The 26-year-old should remain the clear No. 1 option for the Colts, but he'll need to be extra efficient and strong in the red zone to post WR1 numbers in 2024 fantasy football.