KJ Hamler has found his next gig. The free agent wideout has joined the Colts practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The former second-round pick was waived by the Broncos with a non-football illness designation back in August. It was revealed that Hamler was dealing with pericarditis, a heart condition that required medication rather than surgery. Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the receiver took “some time away from football to get healthy,” and Hamler will land his next gig about two months after getting cut by Denver.
Hamler was expected to be a major part of a talented young receivers corps in Denver, but he could never gain the same traction as teammates Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton. Hamler’s best season came during his rookie year when he hauled in 30 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns. His 2022 season was limited to only three games thanks to a torn ACL, and while the receiver was able to return for the 2022 campaign, he finished with only seven catches for 165 yards before landing on IR with a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old underwent offseason surgery to repair a partially torn pectoral muscle. Hamler has apparently fully recovered from that operation, and it sounds like he’ll be joining the Colts in full health.
The Colts seem to be set atop their WR depth chart for the foreseeable future with Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie third-round pick Josh Downs leading the way. The Colts have been eyeing a fifth receiver behind that trio and offseason acquisition Isaiah McKenzie. Juwann Winfree got the first shot at the gig, but Schefter notes that the team opted to promote wide receiver Amari Rodgers from the practice squad for Week 4.
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