Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Colts Hand Forgotten First-Round Pick Another NFL Lifeline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 2:49 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts receiver Laquon Treadwell likely entered the NFL in 2016 hoping to average 111 catches and 1,242 yards over the next decade.

Instead, those are the 30-year-old Treadwell’s career stats, though he’ll at least have an outside chance to increase those numbers this fall. The Colts signed Treadwell, the 2016 No. 23 pick, to their practice squad ahead of the Sept. 7 opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Treadwell played seven offensive snaps and 19 special teams snaps over two games for the Colts last year. He totaled seven receptions for 140 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown, during the preseason.

Riley Leonard's first preseason TD!

He goes 59 yards to Laquon Treadwell

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dI4RhVt5kc
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025

It’s nonetheless surprising to still see Treadwell on an NFL roster. He’s managed just seven catches since the start of 2022, and he hasn’t been a starting receiver since his one-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021.

Will Laquon Treadwell Contribute to the Colts in 2025?

Given that Treadwell couldn’t crack the Colts’ offensive rotation last year, it’s easy to be skeptical that will change anytime soon. Shane Steichen and Jim Bob Cooter, respectively, remain the Colts’ head coach and offensive coordinator, and Treadwell didn’t crack the 53-man roster despite a strong preseason.

It’s hard to see Treadwell fitting into the Colts’ plans beyond being an emergency backup option. Despite a strong 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame, Treadwell has never found the consistency needed to become a reliable passing weapon. Put bluntly, his 33-catch, 434-yard campaign with the Jaguars in 2021 was an outlier, and there’s no reason to believe he’ll suddenly put things together at 30 years old.

Treadwell deserves credit for continuing to try making things work, though we’re not sure what the best-case scenario is. It’s interesting that Treadwell never surfaced in an alternate league like the UFL or even tried playing in Canada. He’s instead stuck it out in the NFL, a commendable effort in a league nicknamed Not For Long.

For now, Treadwell has a spot and a paycheck on the Colts’ practice squad. Maybe a rash of injuries might finally give Treadwell his first touchdown in four years.

Best and Worst NFL Schedule Release Videos 2025 | Ravens Shine, Colts Delete Controversial Clip (2:12)

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: