The Colts got a little more help at tight end just before they kicked off against the Titans, activating Will Mallory off injured reserve hours before Sunday’s game.
That addition comes at a time when Indianapolis is trying to steady itself after a rocky start. The Colts are 2-3 after opening the season with losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, then responding with wins over the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders before dropping last week’s game to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Quarterback Daniel Jones has had a rough stretch since returning from his torn Achilles. He has completed 61.4% of his passes for 1,021 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions, and his running has been limited too, with just 25 rushing yards.
For much of the season, the offense has leaned heavily on All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, while the defense has done most of the heavy lifting. The absence of Alec Pierce has only added to the challenge.
Now the Colts get a chance to reset against a Titans team still searching for its first win. The timing of Mallory’s activation matters because starter Tyler Warren is listed as questionable with a groin injury. If Warren is unable to go, Mallory could be in line for a bigger role right away.
Mallory, Indianapolis’ fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Miami, put up 1,544 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 115 catches over five seasons in college, and he earned second-team All-ACC honors as a senior. In 24 games with the Colts through the 2025 season, he has 23 receptions for 252 yards, good for 11.0 yards per catch.
There was also a hint of what he could bring during the preseason. In the opener against the New England Patriots, Mallory caught six passes for 80 yards.
He is expected to fit alongside Warren if Warren is available, but the injury situation could create a much bigger window for Mallory if the Colts need him more heavily. Either way, Indianapolis is hoping the extra pass-catching help can stabilize an offense that has been too uneven through five weeks.
The schedule won’t give them much breathing room after Tennessee. Road trips to Minnesota and Jacksonville are next, followed by matchups with the Cowboys, Dolphins, Texans, and Giants.
At 2-3, the Colts know they need a run soon or they risk falling further behind in the playoff picture. Mallory may not solve everything, but another healthy target gives them a better shot at finding some rhythm.
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