Team news: Indianapolis Colts | Page 29

Michael Pittman Jr. also knows the best way to shorten that learning curve. Put in as much work as possible.

“That extra time is going to start paying off in Week 6, and through Week 12, and all the way through 16 weeks,” Pittman said. “That’s when I feel like I’m going to see the extra work pay off.”

The good news is that Pittman has proven he has enough talent and toughness to help the Colts in the meantime anyway.

Pittman injured his toe last week, injured it badly enough that he was a game-time decision on Sunday. At least one report said it was unlikely Pittman would play. Not only did the rookie play, he was in the game on 67 of the offense’s 73 snaps, more than any other skill position player. With Parris Campbell out with a PCL injury and no timetable to return, Pittman has a chance to emerge perhaps sooner. Pittman had a 4-37-0 line but did have some miscommunication with QB Philip Rivers, the story added.

Even with Marlon Mack out, the presence of Jonathan Taylor, Jordan Wilkins (40 yards on nine carries Sunday) and this Colts offensive line, the five guys up front that have set the tone for this team ever since that turning point back in 2018.

These Colts are going to Run the Damn Ball.

They’ve got the horses to do it.

Related players: Nyheim Hines

The story said the Colts are looking to find their identity and running the ball could be it. One thing to note his Week 1 star Hines wasn't really involved in Week 2, catching just one ball for four yards. Instead it was Wilkins who was the backup to Taylor with his 9-40-0 line. For Taylor owners, Wilkens may end up being the handcuff to own with Hines playing more of a passing-down role.

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox is expected to start and fill the void left by injured TE Jack Doyle, according to Andrew Walker of Colts.com. Cox is expected to step in and help the offense not skip a beat from the tight end position. "We've got a lot of confidence in Mo," Colts head coach Frank Reich said. "He'll step right up and fill the role and play the role well."

Related player: Noah Togiai

Fantasy players desperate for a tight end can look to Cox, but it is unclear how good he can be in an expanded role. Philip Rivers loves his tight ends in the passing game. Cox's upside is decent, but his floor is a goose egg.

Colts TE Jack Doyle missed his third consecutive practice with knee and ankle injuries, according to Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis.

Related player: Mo Alie-Cox

Ominous news for the veteran tight end. If he manages to be active Sunday, it would be surprising to see him be productive.