Indianapolis Colts' training camp preview 2024: Wide receiver

The Indianapolis Colts are almost a week away from the start of 2024 training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.

The wide receiver position will be a vital one for the Colts in terms of furthering the development of young quarterback Anthony Richardson. The group features a strong depth chart with some pretty high upside.

While the depth chart will feature mostly the same names as last season, there were two additions made via the NFL draft. Meanwhile, one of the biggest position battles at training camp will take place here.

Before training camp arrives, we'll be previewing each position group for the Colts. From highlighting the new additions to projecting the depth chart, we'll have you covered on everything pertaining to the position.

Colts Training Camp Previews:
Quarterback | Running Back

Colts training camp preview: Wide Receiver

Current wide receiver roster

Michael Pittman Jr. returns

Not that it was any surprise, but the Colts and the offense's leading receiver came to an agreement on a three-year deal to keep the former second-round pick in the Circle City. Pittman signed a solid three-year deal worth $70 million before free agency arrived this offseason.

Pittman is one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL and is coming off a career year with 109 receptions for 1,152 yards. He works mostly from the Z-receiver role and should be frequently targeted by Richardson.

Offseason additions and departures

In terms of free agency, not many changes took place. The Colts let Isaiah McKenzie walk, which was expected. He signed with the New York Giants. Outside of bringing Pittman back, the room features mostly recognizable names with the addition of two draft picks.

The Colts used their second-round pick on Adonai Mitchell and one of their fifth-round picks on Anthony Gould. Mitchell will be one of the favorites going to training camp while Gould has some sleeper potential as the team's main return man.

Key position battle to watch

One of the biggest position battles is taking place at wide receiver. Third-year receiver Alec Pierce and the aforementioned Mitchell will duke it out for the starting X-receiver role in Shane Steichen's offense. Pierce missed most of the spring due to a foot injury, which gave Mitchell the chance to shine.

In terms of upside, Mitchell wins the battle pretty easily. Pierce is lauded for doing the dirty work as a run blocker and can still develop into a viable deep threat. But this role is likely going to be a timeshare during the season with the chance that Mitchell takes over the majority of snaps if he shines.

Projected Week 1 wide receiver depth chart

Rounding out the preview is a projection of the depth chart at wide receiver, which is pretty cut-and-dry.

Pittman and Downs are locked into their roles while the Colts wait to see what happens with Pierce and Mitchell. Dulin will have a rotational role as comes back from a torn ACL, and Gould will be the depth in the slot while contributing on special teams.