Life without Reggie Wayne

Oct 19, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) points to fans during introductions before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Bengals 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Wayne may be out for a bit with an elbow injury, but the Colts can’t lose a step.

Wayne got his hand caught on the facemask of an opposing defensive player in Sunday’s game, twisting his elbow after making a catch. It looked a little awkward in the instant reply and Wayne immediately headed to the sideline to get his elbow wrapped. While the corresponding MRI on Monday came back negative, the Colts will continue to be careful with Wayne as the team approaches its bye week.

However, now the Colts are going to try and adjust to life without their star receiver.

There are two guys on the Colts roster that benefit from Wayne’s leave, but none moreso than Hakeem Nicks. For most of the season, Nicks has been a nonfactor in the offense with only limited time in the red zone early in the season. With Wayne out, Nicks is almost certain to take his place in the starting lineup. Nicks and Wayne are drastically different receivers; Nicks won’t be nearly as efficient of a target on third down as Reggie Wayne but will be able to win more jump-ball situations. His route-running will also need a bit of work. However, Nicks’ reputation as a big-play receiver proceeds him. He’ll be a fine step in for the ailing Wayne.

Secondly, rookie wide receiver Donte Moncrief will get an additional workload in the offense with his future predecessor on the sideline. Moncrief won’t get as many looks as Nicks will, but he’ll still get plenty of snaps in the offense. Indianapolis is looking to get Moncrief more involved in the offense to work on his in-game route running and possession receiving, so he’ll get a couple looks on third down situations and possible reverse options. Fans have wanted to see Moncrief get into the game more, so their wishes will be granted on Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Reggie Wayne is a Hall of Fame receiver and he will be greatly missed in the offense. However, the Colts have done a great job at tooling together a team around quarterback Andrew Luck to make Wayne’s hiatus a smooth transition.

Don’t worry Colts fans, the train keeps moving forward.