Colts Urged to Bring Back Former First-Round Pick

Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is remembered as one of the least productive first-round picks for the Indianapolis Colts in recent memory. In two seasons with the team, Dorsett recorded 51 receptions for 753 yards and zero touchdowns.

But Bleacher Report is calling for the Colts to bring back the former first-rounder.

"The Colts are dangerously thin at the receiver position. Both Josh Downs and Alec Pierce carried questionable designations this week, and they are only carrying five wide receivers on the active roster," the Bleacher Report NFL staff wrote. "At this point, it's worth exploring other teams' practice squads to find someone who could provide some depth. 

"Phillip Dorsett is a familiar name. The former Colt is on the Broncos practice squad right now."

The Colts could sign Dorsett off the Denver practice squad for nothing as long as Indianapolis signs him to the active roster.

The Colts drafted Dorsett at No. 29 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. But he started just 7 games before Indianapolis sent him to the New England Patriots in a trade for quarterback Jacoby Brissett just prior to the 2017 season. 

In eight NFL seasons, Dorsett has posted 151 catches, 2,001 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His best season came with the Colts in 2016 when he had 33 receptions for 528 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The 30-year-old has spent most of this season on the Broncos practice squad. He appeared in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. But he only played 6 snaps and received 1 target, which he didn't catch.

Last year with the Houston Texans, Dorsett had 20 catches for 257 yards and a touchdown.

The Colts have gone through two head coaches and multiple offensive coordinators since Dorsett last played for the team in 2016. But if the team is concerned about the health of Josh Downs and Alec Pierce, then Dorsett is an interesting potential addition.

However, the Colts do have a bye in Week 11, which should allow Downs and Pierce some time to recover from their nagging ailments.