The Indianapolis Colts had one of the thinner wide receiver groups going into the NFL trade deadline on October 31st. Now, it’s been reported that the Colts have worked out former Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs starting pass-catcher Sammy Watkins, per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport says in a post on X: “The #Colts, who were in the market for a WR before the trade deadline, worked out veteran Sammy Watkins today, source said.”
Once rookie playmaker WR Josh Downs left Sunday’s contest due to injury, it showed that Indy may need a veteran presence if Downs will miss time.
This move makes sense given, not only Downs’ injury, but how bad the passing offense looked against Frank Reich’s Carolina Panthers. On Sunday, the entire offense would muster an abysmal 198 total yards, with only 127 coming through the air from Gardner Minshew.
If Downs were to miss time, veteran slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie would get the bump in snaps. However, despite his experience, McKenzie has had a less-than-ideal season and was put behind his rookie counterpart right from the start of the season on the depth chart.
This means that, if Watkins is signed and the Colts need depth, it could be a great match for Watkins, given that Shane Steichen is the play caller.
While Watkins hasn’t been his former self as far as numbers are concerned in recent years, he can still provide an immediate impact, especially with a team that desperately needs pass-catchers who can create space, win one-on-one, and have in-game experience at the level Watkins has.
Throughout his nine-year NFL career, Watkins has 364 receptions, 5,384 receiving yards (14.8 avg), and 34 TDs in 111 games played.
Could we see the 30-year-old veteran playmaker get another chance to shine for an offense in the NFL? Given both Downs’ injury and the lack of production in the passing game, don’t be surprised if he gets signed.
More must-reads: