Colts’ Donte Moncrief Returns to Practice, Expects to Play vs Chiefs

The Indianapolis Colts welcomed back wide receiver Donte Moncrief Wednesday, and he says he expects to play. His return into the lineup will give quarterback Andrew Luck a much-needed additional weapon.

Moncrief only has seven catches for 73 receiving yards and one touchdown on the season. Even though Moncrief has not played much this year, he is still easily the Colts’ second-best receiver.

Moncrief hurt his shoulder blade in the Colts’ 34-20 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Luckily, he did not need surgery to repair his fractured shoulder blade.

When he returned to practice Wednesday, he only participated on a limited basis. Obviously, the Colts want to be caution with him. However, Moncrief fully expects to play according to CBS 4 Indy’s Mike Chappell.

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With Moncrief out, the Colts’ offense has been centered around Luck throwing the ball to T.Y. Hilton early and often. Hilton has been targeted 76 times, which is tied for the most in the NFL. The second most targeted weapon for Indianapolis is tight end Jack Doyle with 33 targets.

While the high targeting make Hilton statistically one of the best receivers in the league, it also makes the Colts’ offense predictable. Getting Moncrief back allows Indianapolis to diversify its passing game.

As expected, Luck was very happy to have his true No. 2 receiver back on the field; even if it was only on a limited basis.

The Colts’ offense desperately needs Moncrief back healthy and playing at a high level because frankly, there is not much wide receiver depth after him and Hilton.

This season, Colts’ wideouts not named T.Y. Hilton (five players) have combined for 35 receptions, 538 receiving yards and two touchdowns. These numbers include Moncrief’s stats, and he has only played in two games.

Phillip Dorsett was supposed to step up once Moncrief went down, but he has only continued his inconsistent ways. Meanwhile, Chester Rogers, Quan Bray, and Devin Street have potential, but these guys are not ready to be counted on every down of every game.

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Overall, Moncrief is a key cog in the Colts’ offense. If he comes back healthy and plays at a high level, Indianapolis could see some improvements from its current 3-4 record.