Colts Release WR Darius Slayton

Slayton, 29, signed with the Colts in Week 3 after Alec Pierce landed on injured reserve with a heel injury. He was brought in as a downfield threat who could fill some of Pierce’s role while also re-establishing his connection with Daniel Jones, his former quarterback in New York.

Slayton was a healthy scratch in Weeks 3 and 4, which head coach Shane Steichen attributed to the seven-year veteran learning the new offense. A Colts debut in Week 5 appeared to be in play, but Slayton’s progress was abruptly stopped by a knee injury suffered in practice, sidelining him for another game. He returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday, but the Colts opted to release him instead of (finally) seeing what he could do on the field.

The move could be taken as a positive sign for Pierce. He will not be eligible to come off IR until Week 7, but he could be ready to play as soon as he is designated to return.

Slayton, meanwhile, will look for just the third team of his eight-year NFL career. He was consistently productive in New York despite the Giants’ unstable quarterback situation and few other proven pass-catchers over the last decade. Clubs looking for an established deep threat could certainly do worse over a month into the regular season.